Families ok with hospital plan

CEBU, Philippines- Families in Barangay Pahina Central, Cebu City whose houses will be affected by the construction of the new city hospital are willing to move their homes as long as the city government helps them financially.

“Wala jud silay problema sa inyong plano basta matuman lang ang kasabotan,” said Maximino Empleo, president of the Crusaders of Fatima Residents Association, Inc. following a meeting yesterday afternoon.

The families agreed to move by 1.5 meters away from the perimeter wall that divides their area and the construction site for the new building of the Cebu City Medical Center. The wall needs to be taken down for extra space for heavy equipment to pass through and doing so will hit the houses.

Based on the report by City Hall’s Department of Engineering and Public Works, at least 17 structures will be affected. The Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor and Department of Social Welfare and Services will evaluate the report.

The CCMC Project Team led by DEPW Head Engineer Jose Marie Poblete tapped DSWS to assess the structure owners and determine their corresponding disturbance pay ranging from P5,000 to P10,000.

The team assured that a temporary wall will be put in place to ensure the safety of the residents from falling debris.

It was agreed that the residents will be notified a week before the wall will be demolished.

“Ang tumong ani dili kay papahawaon mo pero ang tuyo ani kay ang pagpadayon sa pagpabarog sa hospital,” Poblete told the residents yesterday.

“Kinahanglan bungkagon ang paril unya isibog ni tungod kay maglisod man og sulod ang mga ekipo,” he added.

Poblete said it is important to show the residents that the city is implementing an important government project that follows a technical timetable in completing the engineering works.

After the building’s footing will be completed, the project’s contractor will build another retaining wall that will be stronger to withstand calamities such as earthquake. This construction work alone is projected to be finished in six months.  (FREEMAN)