Apas drainage system OK to start

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government can now start with the building of a drainage system in Sitio San Miguel, Barangay Apas, following the approval of the lot owner.

Mayor Michael Rama, yesterday, signed a memorandum of agreement with Aletha Suico-Magat, the supposed owner of lot 942, allowing the city’s drainage system plan to traverse her lot.

Residents have long been complaining of  flooding, which started when the camp of Magat, who had the houses in the area demolished through a court order, started putting up filling materials.

The complaining occupants are those who have filed their notices of appeal to the ejectment case filed by Magat.

Rama visited the area last month and looked for means where the city could intervene and help the residents.

Lawyer Jerone Castillo from the City Legal Office who headed the drafting of the MOA said that the City Engineering Office came up with  more effective drainage system, but it has to pass through Magat’s lot situated near the residents’ houses.

“There was a discussion and reasonable minds met and Mrs. Magat concurred. Kadtong gi-suggest nga drainage plan mao’y i-implement,” said Castillo.

The CLO chief further said they drafted the MOA to determine the parameters before the project is implemented.

As specified in the MOA, the drainage system may be removed once Magat’s camp consolidates her ownership over the contested lot and have the remaining residents vacate.

Some 50 houses in the area have been demolished since March 4, following the ejectment case Magat file before the Municipal Trial Court in cities.

Magat said her family is planning to build a modern hospital in the area.  (FREEMAN)