No eviction yet for families living along Lahug riverbank

CEBU, Philippines - The eviction of 40 families whose residences were razed in a fire Sunday but are reportedly encroaching the three easement zones along the Lahug riverbank is not yet final.

This was assured yesterday by former city councilor Jose Daluz, chairman of the Reduce Danger Zones (ReDZ), which will undertake the clearing of structures along the river.

Daluz said that they still have to meet on Monday to discuss the matter and the implementation of project ReDZ.

According to Daluz, they will discuss in the special meeting the actions they will take so that they can help and support the fire victims without any dispute.

The victims of the fire on April 20 are temporarily residing at the barangay gym but are still going back to the riverbank in the morning to fix their houses.

According to Daluz, the decision will be made after it is discussed by the river management council.

“Ongoing pa ang mga river staff to investigate. Balancing lagi, ang atong gusto is malimpyo ang river, and the necessity of these people to have a home. Para di pud sila makalulu-oy. Nasunugan pa, so double jeopardy na. I’m very careful kay ato mang tan-awon tanang angle,” Daluz said.

During a press conference at Marriott Hotel, Mayor Michael Rama said that the residents living along the riverbank should leave for safety concerns. He added that the area should be cleared for the beautification purposes.

“That was my concern all the time when I pass by the bridge in Kamputhaw. I have been repeatedly bringing that as an attention. It’s not anymore allowing you to see the view. What you will see in that bridge when you look down are houses. If you could just imagine if water will flow out in its water way or a heavy downfall occurs, the effect will going to be a major disaster. It’s an alarming issue,” Rama added.

For their part, some residents living along the riverbank said they have not been informed if they would need to leave but said that a proper relocation site should be provided should they need to vacate their homes.

“Wa pa mi na-inform anang papahawa-on mi. Pero kung mahitabo man jud na, wala tay mahimu ug maayo unta nga naa sad mi tarong nga kabalhinan,” Roselle, 33, a worker said.

Although they’re still reeling from the fire incident, the residents expressed their gratitude on the aid the government has extended to them like the P10,000 financial assistance to families whose houses were totally burned down.

“So far so good. Nagkasobra-sobra naman gani ilang gihatag nga pagkaon namo,” Bruno Caballes, an Overseas Filipino Worker said. — Judie Mar Dinopol CNU Comm Intern/ATO (FREEMAN)