Mahiga settlements safe from demolition for now

CEBU, Philippines - A week after the lapse of the notice to vacate from the Cebu City government, no Mahiga Creek settlers will lose their homes following a series of conflict resolution meetings that were initiated after settlers asked to negotiate with the city.

Former councilor and Project Reduce Danger Zones chairman Joey Daluz said the priority of the city government is to negotiate with affected settlers along the three-meter easement zone to arrange assistance should clearing transpire.

“Wala pa’y demolition. We are currently in the process of discussing with the settlers through CRMs. Daghan pa kaayo na. Taas pa,” Daluz told reporters, adding another meeting will be held today.

The series of meetings came after more than 50 settlers approached the city legal department and expressed intentions of negotiating and cooperating with the city government which intends to finally clear major waterways in the city, including Mahiga Creek, to avoid disasters.

Mayor Michael Rama yesterday inspected the initially compacted portion of the easement zone near block 27 after the ribbon-cutting ceremony of new vending stalls inside nearby North Bus Terminal intended for ambulant vendors.

During his visit, Rama congratulated Daluz whom he referred to as the “REDZ Czar” for positive results since the creation of Project REDZ after massive flooding hit Cebu City last July.

The initial compacting of the easement zone visited by the mayor and members of the media yesterday was 20 meters wide and 150 meters long.

“This is an initiative of the city government. Swerte kaayo ang developer ani kay compacted na man daan. Next week, mulabang to didto sa atbang nga part,” Daluz explained.

He added that this year’s Supplemental Budget 2 submitted by the mayor to the council for deliberation and approval included P5 million for Project REDZ.  (FREEMAN)