Houses built on San Juan drainage line demolished

MANILA, Philippines — Eight families in San Juan have been relocated after houses built on a major drainage line were demolished yesterday.

Authorities cleared the area as Barangay San Perfecto’s San Venancio street is among the city’s most flood-prone zones.

Public Works Secretary Vince Dizon and Mayor Francis Zamora inspected the site, where illegal structures obstructed the flow of rainwater and contributed to flooding.

After agreeing to vacate their homes, the families were transferred to prefabricated housing units in Barangay Batis constructed by the Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development.

Free of rent, the families will only pay electricity and water bills.