CPDO: Monterrazas ready to continue development

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) has recommended the lifting of the Cease and Desist Order against Genvi Development Corporation, the developer of Monterrazas de Cebu earlier blamed for the heavy flooding in the low-lying parts of Barangay Guadalupe July last year.

The lifting of the CPDO should come from Mayor Michael Rama. Three personnel from the CPDO inspected the project site last March to check and evaluate the compliance of the developer with the requirements stipulated in the CDO issued by the mayor on July 25, 2012.

In the findings submitted by Engineering Assistant Portia Abugan, Zoning Officer II Erwin Tapere and Project Development Officer II Maria Gemma B. Camomot to City Planning and Development Coordinator Alipio N. Bacalso Jr., the inspection team noted seven requirements that Genvi have complied with. These findings were accompanied photographs.

The findings show that Genvi has initiated and undertaken soil erosion measures such as planting of vertiber after laying the cocomats on sloping areas. The developer has also installed diversion ditches. Genvi is now desilting the settling ponds regularly, at least twice a month and as the need arises or during heavy rains when too much silt is accumulated.

Genvi has assisted the affected areas in rehabilitation of all damages caused by the flash flood last July. Genvi has released at least P100,000 for rehabilitation and as financial aid to the affected families.

To prevent a similar flooding incident and to avoid being blamed again for future floodings, Genvi has made sumps or pits for drainage or collecting waters. The developer has also submitted a detailed subdivision plan and offsite drainage plan that will connect to the existing city drainage along Buena Hills.

Acting on the Bethany School’s complaint, the developer also moved the settling pond 10 meters off the school’s property line.

All these have actually been complied since August yet Mayor Michael Rama has not lifted the CDO. 

Last April 23, Guadalupe Barangay Captain Michael Gacasan recommended the lifting of the CDO to the mayor after barangay officials inspected the area and found the developer compliant with the requirements.

“With all these enumerated above being addressed into by the developer, which may be considered substantial compliance on the conditions of the CDO, plus the certification of the barangay Guadalupe issued on April 23, 2012 giving favorable recommendation to the Cebu City Government for the same lifting, this office therefore is subscribed to the said lifting of the CDO,” the Findings read.

But the CPDO also said that once another flashflood occurred, the city will automatically issue a cease and desist order to the developer.

During their inspection last March 30, the team also found out that there was an ongoing both vertical and horizontal construction despite the existing CDO.

The inspection team found that there was a mobilization of culverts for the drainage system and the construction of two units of two-storey buildings. The team ordered the activities stopped.  (FREEMAN)