‘Flooding is normal in booming cities’

CEBU, Philippines -  A real estate developer downplayed concerns on Cebu getting “over-developed” expressing optimism that Cebu will eventually keep up with the upbeat growth of the property sector.

Cebu Landmasters Inc.,  president Jose Soberano III said the problem on infrastructure and the flooding problems in the metropolis is a normal occurrence in a booming city like Cebu. He said fixing these concerns will follow suit.

Soberano, whose company is one of the most active in terms of expansion, said that what is good about Cebu is that there is coordination between the private sector and the government.

"We see how the government/authorities are exerting efforts in solving the infrastructure problem," said Soberano reiterating his belief that Cebu is far from being “over-developed".  

However, real estate marketer and promoter Anthony Leuterio said although property investors are still interested in Cebu, the government should address the flooding problem before Cebu loses its attractiveness to investors.

Leuterio, who operates one of the biggest real estate brokerage firms in Cebu and the entire country with over 2,000 agents, said that the government should take full responsibility on what is happening in Cebu right now.

"This is not the fault of developers," he said the government in the first place is the one who approves every project before it could start. Giving permits to developers with no proper sewerage plans, among others is already an irresponsible action that contributes to the flooding issue.

Leuterio, who is also the president of Philippine Allied Chamber of Real Estate Brokers and Licensed Salesmen (PhilAcre), said that while this kind of problem is evident in a developing urban city like Cebu, the government should not wait to see Cebu losing its grip on prospects in the long term and must develop a good urban master-plan now.

For now, out of 100 buyers or say at least one or two percent only expressed strong concern on flooding but, if the government will continue to be complacent, this is could turn around Cebu's potential in major areas.

Soberano said that with the kind of concern now showed by the authorities in the government in solving the infrastructure, including the flooding issue, Cebu will be able to avoid worse effects usually brought about by the fast growing real estate sector.  (FREEMAN)