‘Reclamation of Baseco in 30 days’

President Arroyo was assured yesterday that the reclamation work in Baseco compound in Tondo, Manila, where some 3,500 shanties were gutted by a fire, would be finished in a month.

Manila Mayor Lito Atienza made the assurance as he directed the City Engineer’s Office and the Urban Settlement Office to speed up the reclamation work at the west and southeast portion of Baseco.

"Although we deplore the tragedy that has befallen the residents, this is also an opportunity for us to hasten the reclamation and development work in the area and do it properly," Atienza said.

Reports had it that some 6,000 families or 47,000 people were rendered homeless after a fire broke out and destroyed at least 3,499 shanties in 14 blocks of the 52-hectare area.

The victims have been provided temporary shelter at the Marcelino Agoncillo Elementary School and at the covered basketball court there.

It was learned that the city government has been working with the Public Estates Authority for a development plan for the area.

Aside from the 10-hectare southeast portion, which is still marshland, the western portion would also be reclaimed. Once reclaimed, the two areas would be subdivided and lots would be awarded to residents.

Councilors Kim Atienza and Cita Astals, both from the city’s Fifth District are set to file a resolution that would declare Baseco in a state of calamity to further hasten development in the area.

Meanwhile, Atienza’s spokesperson Armand Sebastian laughed off reports that President Arroyo scolded Atienza over the phone for allegedly not being in the area when the President visited the fire victims. — Cecille Suerte Felipe