Informal settlers to get relocation

CEBU, Philippines —  As the Cebu City government resumes its clearing operations to recover the three-meter easement along rivers and streams in the city, Mayor Michael Rama has assured the affected informal settlers that the city is working double time to provide them with the needed relocation site.

An estimated 14,000 informal settlers and some establishments are expected to be affected by the clearing of waterways.

“The so-called timeline, definitely as fast as we can… We will be definitely focused on that. Let's manage the city like Singapore,” said Rama.

Rama said he will revisit a resolution sponsored by then councilor Gerardo Carillo, who is currently the chairperson of the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council, on the issue on confronting informal settlers.

“I’m going to retrieve that resolution… We will have to discuss that matter and medium rise buildings, and container (vans) temporary as what we call settlement,” he said.

“We have to think about short term, medium term, long term because as I've said, I am very serious, substantially serious, in starting right,” he added.

As earlier reported, Carillo said he was instructed by Rama to make sure affected families in the clearing operations are given relocation.

“Dili siya ganahan nga mag-clearing unya way kabalhinan ang mga namuyo," Carillo earlier said.

The city government is looking at building more medium-rise buildings for displaced families.

Carillo said they were already told by the Mines and Geo Sciences Bureau of Department of Environment and Natural Resources to clear the three-meter easement.

Easing the waterways is expected to solve not only flooding, but also promote safety of the people and the environment. — FPL (FREEMAN)