CEBU, Philippines - The 6.5 hectare relocation site in Barangay Paknaan, Mandaue City is not free from flooding.
There are around 1,200 residents from so-called danger areas in the city that were made to move to the relocation site since early last year. Many of them used to live near the three-meter easement at the Mahiga creek and the Butuanon river.
The geo-hazard assessment report of the Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) of the Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR-7) said the relocation site was found to be susceptible to liquefaction and flooding. This is because the relocation site is located between the Butuanon River and Cansaga Bay.
The residents and the officials of the city also confirmed the findings.
“During extreme weather conditions, there is a possibility that low-lying areas in the proposed project site near Butuanon River and Cansaga Bay will be inundated by waters overflowing from the nearby bodies of water. Flood control measures should be effectively established and proper adequate drainage system should be provided in the area in order to minimize, if not avoid flooding in the vicinity,†the MGB report reads.
MGB said there is a need to extend up to 20 meters the easement zone in the southern boundary of the relocation site, which is adjacent to the Butuanon River. The easement will serve as a buffer zone during heavy flooding.
When the weather is fine, MGB said the extended zone can be used as a green area or a bicycle trail. The MGB also recommended that two blocks at the site located between an active and dry riverbed be converted into a green zone.
MGB asked the Mandaue City government to consult the Philippine Institute of Volcanology and Seismology (PHILVOLCS).
Atty. Francisco Amit, former consultant of the Mandaue’s Urban Planning and Socialized Housing, said that around 200 houses will not be built if blocks 41 and 42 in the relocation site will be turned into a green zone.
“The area is the best option for relocation site but there’s a need to follow what was observed by the technical working group as it is for the welfare and safety of the beneficiaries,†Amit said.
Amit added that MGB never recommended cancellation of the relocation site but only for the city to comply with the recommendations strictly.
Mayor Jonas Cortes told reporters that his administration will be following the recommendations of the study conducted last April 26 as required by the National Housing Authority. – (FREEMAN)