Joint group formed to clear creeks

CEBU, Philippines - A committee composing representatives from the Cebu and Mandaue City governments has been created to address the removal of houses and other illegal structures within the three-meter easement zone of both sides of Mahiga Creek.

The creation of the committee was decided in a meeting between Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortez last Friday, together with other officials of the two cities.

Cebu City Legal Officer Jerone Castillo and his counterpart in Mandaue City are also part of the committee.

Lawyer Jose Daluz III was designated as the sole spokesman of the group for uniform information dissemination.

Daluz said four representatives from the Mandaue City government and a similar number from the Cebu City government will discuss with each other how to speed up the removal of illegal structures along Mahiga Creek.

Cortez has also agreed to the demolition of the 22 illegally constructed foot bridges at the creek that connect the two cities as these obstruct the flow of water.

 “Karon nga duna nay namugna nga komitiba, nagpasabot nga may koordinasyon na ang duha ka-local government units ug makapadali na kini sa pagtrabaho pagtangtang sa illegal structure diha sa sapa,” said Daluz.

Daluz, head of the Reduce Danger Zone-River (ReDZ-R) in Cebu City, said it was found out during their inspection that several illegal structures are constructed on the side of Mandaue City.

An existing law prohibits the construction of any structures within the three-meter easement from the side of creeks and rivers.  (FREEMAN)