CH told: Do detailed geohazard assessment before lot purchase

CEBU, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7 has asked the Cebu City government to conduct a detailed geohazard assessment in Sitio Tapuko, Barangay Pit-os where it is planning to buy a P20.8 million property for its socialized housing program.

In the Geohazard Identification Report of MGB-7, Senior Geologist Josephine Aleta also recommended that the city government should conduct related geological hazard investigation if the city finds information on the soundness and safety of the area in the conduct of the more detailed geohazard assessment at the site.

“Results of the study should be submitted to the Mines and Geosciences Bureau-7 in the form of a Geohazard Assessment Report for review/evaluation and subsequent endorsement to the Environmental Management Bureau-7,” Aleta said.

The 10,431-square meter proposed relocation site has 238 lots measuring 32-square meter each will be distributed to the beneficiary of the socialized housing program of the city.

In the Geohazard Iden-tification Report of MGB-7, the bureau said the area is moderately susceptible to landslides since it is characterized as moderately steep slopes with slope inclination of more than 24 degrees.

MGB said the city government should gather information in its detailed geohazrd assessment regarding the site’s project description, site geology, regional setting, geohazard assessment, geologic hazards, hydrologic hazards, among others.

Aleta said the area has narrow and shallow depression and this section is prone to scouring by excessive runoff during heavy rains due to the steeper slope inclination.

“The sections along the southwest boundary have a high susceptibility rating for rain-induced landslides, among others,” she said.

The City Council has received the Geohazard Identification Report of MGB-7 in its August 26 regular session and referred the matter to the Local Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council.

Councilor Alvin Dizon, chairman of the committee on housing, said the city should be cautious in lot acquisition projects for the benefit of the future residents.

At least 41,000 families are waiting to be accommodated for the socialized housing program of the city. Of the number, 10,000 are currently living in the danger areas like rivers, creeks, and landslide-prone areas, among others.

The city government needs at least 150 hectares to relocate the informal settlers. Dizon said the immediate need to relocate these families must be tempered with the assurance that the relocation sites are safe for human habitation.— /FPL (FREEMAN)