Mahiga Creek clearings go on

CEBU, Philippines – The city government of Mandaue continues to implement demolition work in the vicinity of Mahiga Creek in Barangay Subangdaku as part of efforts to clear it of informal settlers.

Currently, the demolition team is working on clearing part of Sitio Sapa-sapa II and is on its way to Sitio Sapa-sapa I, according to Roger Paller, city information officer.

Paller said there more than 400 houses were affected in the clearing operations, and most of these households have already relocated to the 6.5-hectare city-owned relocation site in Barangay Paknaan.

He said others have also received financial assistance, with the amount depending the city's assessment.

Paller also said only those owners of houses which have been in the area before the Urban Development and Housing Act was passed in March 1992 can avail of the lots at the provided relocation site.

Those who erected structures along the creek after this date will be given financial assistance which they can use in rebuilding their houses somewhere.

Paller said the Paknaan relocation site is more than 50 percent full. It can accommodate up to 1,200 households.

He said the monthly amortization of the lot is pegged at P500, contrary to allegations of rallying residents that it is pricey.

He also said beneficiaries are given the option to get a lot alone or a complete package that includes a house and lot.

Last month, some residents in sitios Mahayag and Mahusay, also along the Mahiga Creek, held a protest rally outside the City Hall, asking the government to give them another relocation site apart from the one in Paknaan.

According to the rallyists, the Paknaan site is also a danger zone being near the Butuanon River.

This, they said, is contradicting the city's foremost goal of getting them out of Mahiga, which the city considers as a danger zone.

These rallyists have decided to go back to their old site in Mahiga Creek where they have erected tents.

Paller said these returnees are one of the reasons why the demolitions were delayed. Clearing operations were supposed to be completed December last year.

He said the city has been pushing to clear the creek of any illegal structures so the dredging activities done by the Department of Public Works and Highways can proceed and the people will be out of harm's way considering that the river easily overflows during heavy rains. (FREEMAN)