Rail dwellers bewail poor living conditions in relocation site

Former rail dwellers affected by the North Luzon railway modernization project yesterday bewailed their poor living condition in a relocation site in Valenzuela City.

The disgruntled residents have been waiting for a permanent relocation site and have accused the National Housing Authority (NHA) for "making promises they could not keep," leaving them literally wallowing in the mud in a flood-prone temporary housing facility.

The group also slammed private developer, Baque Corporation, which owns the 2.8-hectare property used temporarily as a relocation site, for the poor living condition in their temporary home.

Some 200 families are scattered at Baque Corp.’s property, about 90 percent of whom continue to live in makeshift tents and clapboard houses because the promised housing materials have allegedly not been delivered by the NHA.

They said their problems have been compounded by today’s opening of classes as many of them were not able to enroll their children in schools.

The residents said they were promised to be given money they can use to go back to their provinces but the funds did not arrive in time for the school opening.

"The place, up to now, is still lacking in even the most basic facilities as clean, potable water and sanitary toilets," laments Linda, 39.

She said they also have to fight for the use of only six toilets and bathrooms located some 200 meters away from their makeshift houses. Moreover, a six-meter wide creek bordering the property inundates during heavy rains and floods the area at above-knee levels.

Although there were over 20 hastily-dug deep wells, only four pump out clear water but not fit for drinking.

Conditions have come to such a deplorable state that a number have decided to leave, the residents said. From around 252 families, the number has dwindled to at least half.

Last week, some 16 families had voluntarily left for another government relocation site at Towerville Homes in Norzagaray, Bulacan while another group of some 20 families are ready to leave upon receipt of promised check under the "Balik-Probinsya Program."