NHA-7 studies relocation site for Sendong victims

DUMAGUETE CITY, Philippines  – Six possible relocation sites for families whose houses were destroyed by floods during typhoon Sendong have been evaluated by representatives of the National Housing Authority-Region 7 and Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria yesterday morning.

NHA-7 representatives, headed by the Gayino Figuracion, meet with Sagarbarria to discuss the relocation sites in the city. The mayor showed to the NHA-7 officials the geo-hazard map of the city for review and determination on which among the six would be ideal for the typhoon victims.

A report of the social welfare office showed that at least 473 families lost their houses due to flooding, while a few hundred more had their houses partially damaged. Most of the affected families were informal settlers living along the banks of the Banica River.

Sagarbarria has reiterated that he will not allow them to return to the riverbanks, although at this time he received reports that some of them have already started rebuilding structures again in the area.

“What is more important is to prevent further loss of lives, especially during flashfloods,” he said, adding that if the relocation project is pursued then the city government will donate the selected land with NHA-7 providing funds for the construction of the housing units.

Sagarbarria said the city government will also be extending financial assistance to the hundreds of families whose houses were partially damaged by Sendong. (FREEMAN)