Rama to Mandaue: Remove bridges fast

CEBU, Philippines - Time is of the essence and Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama wants Mandaue City to fast track the demolition of footbridges on parts of Mahiga Creek that are in its jurisdiction.

“They have to be in a hurry because if you are talking about another day, (what) if tomorrow there’s going to be another flood?” Rama said yesterday.

Mandaue officials have asked for more time to inform their constituents about the move to remove the footbridges.

Rama said earlier it is about time to bring the creek “back to its normal situation.”

“There never was any bridge there.  A creek should have never any bridge in terms of footbridge unless it is very much necessary,” he said.

The Cebu City government, for its part, has decided to remove the footbridges at the creek so there will be no interference in the flow of water, especially during heavy rains.

Jose Daluz III, chief of the Reduction of Danger Zones group, said he will leave discussions to Rama and Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes.

Aside from being obstructions, Rama also contended that because the footbridges provide access, more and more people will settle at the creek.

“That is not supposed to be there. That could be an added obstruction of the waterways… all of that will have to be (removed). The bridges have been causing a lot of trouble, at the same time, because that will bring people to have access and build and build and build,” he said.

Last Tuesday, the Mandaue City Legal Office executed forced demolition of houses in Sitio Mahayag, Barangay Subangdaku.

A commotion ensued during demolition when residents threw stones at members of the demolition team. Elma Remedio, 51, and her daughter Alvi Remedio, 21, were even hit.

It was in 2012 when notices to vacate the place were given to the residents but they reportedly ignored them. — (FREEMAN)