Mahiga Creek clearing delayed

CEBU, Philippines - Mahiga settlers may relax a few days more before the Squatters Prevention and Encroachment Elimination Division (SPEED) of the Cebu City government starts dismantling their structures on the bank of the Mahiga River and within the three-meter easement area.

SPEED chief Noel Artes said that they delayed the clearing because the city engineers need to mark again the areas that will be covered by the 2.5-meter easement requested by the residents.

The affected residents of the restoration of the three-meter easement recently met with Mayor Michael Rama to request the city government to only clear the 2.5-meter area from the river so they will have a portion left to dwell in.

The city government granted the request so the city engineers had to revisit the area to make the adjustments in the markings.

Artes said though that many have voluntarily started dismantling their own structures.

“Basin inig sugod namo during the first week of May, gamay na lang ang among gub-onon,” he said. Artes said most of identified structures to be affected are made of light materials.

On the first Monday of May, SPEED personnel will prioritize sitios San Isidro I and II. They will start their operation at 9 a.m. and will end at 4 p.m.

Artes said the clearing might only take a week.

About 20 affected families interested to avail of city’s relocation site may start occupying and complying with the requirements later.

Artes said that the Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor has agreed to waive the requirements for now since these residents urgently need a relocation area. After they have cleared the Mahiga River of illegal structures, the city government will start dredging the river.

To prevent illegal settlers from rebuilding structures, the River Management Council will deploy personnel to serve as creek watchers. — (FREEMAN)