Mananga bridge settlers told to vacate by April 15

CEBU, Philippines — Around 30 families residing under the Mananga Bridge in Barangay Tabunok, Talisay City are given until April 15 to leave the area to give way for the rehabilitation of the structure’s pillars.

The bridge’s P47-million rehabilitation project under the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has been delayed for two years due to the presence of illegal settlers.

Last Friday, the affected residents met with City Administrator Rudelyn Navarro to discuss the matter.

She said that residents pleaded to give them enough time before leaving the area.

“April 15 na sila kutob kay nihangyo sila nga human sa graduation sa ilang mga anak mohawa,” she said.

Navarro added that they will conduct another ocular inspection in the area to determine the exact number of residents affected in the rehabilitation works.

Also, they will provide cash assistance for the affected families, but they are still discussing the amount.

Earlier, at least 12 families have received P1500 cash assistance from the city and another P1500 from the DPWH last year.

Since the project started in 2016, contractor Zion construction has slowly started repairing the bridge, doing some works that would not risk the safety of the illegal settlers around.

During those years, they have accomplished 43 percent on the repair. However, they need to start the excavation that requires residents to leave the area to complete the project.

Those 12 residents were given a relocation site in Barangay Dumlog, but they chose to stay under the bridge, saying that the area is too small for their family.

Salima Villarino, one of the affected residents, said they are willing to leave the area for the bridge’s repair.

Although the city cannot provide a relocation site, they were glad that they were offered cash assistance.

She also admitted that she is one of the 12 families that were given cash assistance last year.

“Nakadawat naman mi, i-minus lang sa ihatag sad nila karun,” she added. — GAN (FREEMAN)