City still awaiting response from NHA on condo project

CEBU, Philippines - It has been two years since the Cebu City government planned to construct two condominium buildings at the old Lorega Cemetery but, until now, the project has yet to be implemented.

 City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said the city government is just waiting for the response from the national government, which will finance the project intended for those living in danger zone areas.

 “Manila (national government) na gyud nga action, ila na gyud nga action nga mo kuan. They have to approve the project because the money will come from them mao na lang gihuwat,” she said. The project is being funded by the National Housing Authority.

 Mercado explained that the city government has already complied with all the requirements for the project.

 “Katong duha ka building sa (Old) Lorega Cemetery actually kanang duna silay mga requirement which we have complied (with already),” she said.

 Mercado assured that they would make a follow up on the matter.

 “Ato nang sogsogon follow up. Naa naman tanang papeles nila wala nay rason nga dili na nila i-take up sa board (NHA),” she said.

 She explained that it would now be easier for NHA to construct the buildings since the project site in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel has been reblocked already after it was hit by fire on March 18, 2014.

 “Kana bang sayang wala pa gyud (start) nasunog na lang. Naa na klaro nga lugar gi ground zero na nato, gi-fence na nato,” she said.

 The city government plans to build two four-storey buildings with 87 units in the area with P78 million budget from NHA. The two buildings would be constructed on a portion of a 9,332-square-meter cemetery lot.

 Mayor Michael Rama earlier said the socialized housing program is also open to other residents of the city.

 “It’s about affordability. If you don’t have the money how can you rise (be given the opportunity to live in the building). Obviously there’s always such as thing as opportunity,” Rama said.

 He said the city government will also come up with a comprehensive plan for the housing beneficiaries.

 “It becomes a comprehensive program that I want introduce kay di mana mahimo spoon feeding. You have to teach also people to earn,” he added.  (FREEMAN)