Construction of 2 city condos to start soon

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government has set the groundbreaking for the construction of two condominium buildings at the old Lorega Cemetery in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel next month.

The city has been planning the construction of two four-storey buildings with 87 units each, which will primarily cater residents of Mahiga Creek.

It was last year when members of the Cebu City Reduction of Danger Zones suggested building a medium-sized condominium for the residents living within the three-meter easement zone of the creek.

City’s Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor chief Collin Rosell said earlier that the city government had to conduct reblocking and clearing operations in the construction site.

Last March 18, a huge fire hit the area giving way to the city government to reblock and clear the place.

Mayor Michael Rama said the two buildings, which will be under the city’s socialized housing program, are open to other residents.

“It’s about affordability. If you don’t have the money, how can you rise (be given the opportunity to live in the building)? Obviously, there’s always such a thing as opportunity,” Rama said.

The mayor said the city government will make a comprehensive plan on the regulation of the structures.

“It becomes a comprehensive program that I want introduce kay di man na’ mahimo spoon-feeding. You have to teach people also to earn,” he said.

City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said the city is yet to receive the P78-million budget for the construction of the two buildings from the national government.

Mercado said the city has invited Vice President Jejomar Binay, chairman of the National Housing Authority, to the groundbreaking ceremony.  (FREEMAN)