Rama denies blaming Mandaue for flooding

CEBU, Philippines - “I have not blamed anyone.”

This was the reaction of Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama on Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes expressing disappointment after Rama allegedly heaped blame on Mandaue City for the flooding problem in Cebu and allegedly for its failure to demolish the footbridges that cross Mahiga Creek.

Rama denied issuing such a statement, adding that addressing the problem requires a proper perspective and should not be a blame game.

“There is no conflict. I have no quarrel with Mandaue. I have not blamed anyone. I do not know who is making me quarrel with Jonas,” Rama said.

He said that he will never stop pursuing the demolition of footbridges illegally constructed across Mahiga Creek.

“I will clarify that this should not be a blame game,” he said, adding that he has witnessed the danger the footbridges pose to residents along the creek.

“I am worried that if the bridges will still continue to be there and the water will continue to rise and the people will continue using the bridge, the ending will be too ‘dangerous’,” he added.

Rama said that he hopes to see a better picture of Mahiga with the cooperation of the Mandaue City Government in restoring the three-meter easement zone.

He said Cebu has not started removing the footbridges yet but that they should be doing it sooner.

“Wala pa nasugdan ang demolition sa bridge kay naa pa koy alegrahon sa side sa city,” he said.

Rama said that after the Department of Public Works and Highways did dredging works, Cebu City would follow suit in dredging Mahiga Creek.

“Once the dredging will commence sa area diha, automatically, walay maka-dredge kun naa pay bridge,” he said in emphasizing the need.

As to Cortes saying that the Cebu City government also committed violations, its abattoir having no permit, among others, Rama said that he “do(es) not know the issue.”

The Cebu City government has already listed at least 16 footbridges illegally constructed along Mahiga Creek.

Reduction Danger Zones (REDZ) project chairman Jose Daluz III said their technical working group has identified 16 footbridges subject for demolition, which are actually “footbridges’ duplication.”

The Mahiga residents have built their own footbridges for easy and convenient access, but Rama wants them all removed as they reportedly blocks the flow of water.

Daluz said a meeting will be called again this week between the cities of Cebu and Mandaue before any demolition work starts.

“We will coordinate with the city officials of Mandaue to iron out things before commencing the demolition process. We will closely coordinate with them and if they will give suggestions it will be reviewed properly by the coordinating committee,” he said.— Jean Marvette A. Demecillo, Kristine B. Quintas/RHM  (FREEMAN)