Mandaue asks more time to demolish footbridges

CEBU, Philippines - While the governments of Cebu City and Mandaue City have both agreed to demolish the 24 illegally constructed footbridges along Mahiga Creek, the latter has requested for more time for it to inform its constituents. 

During a meeting between officials from the Cebu City and Mandaue City governments yesterday, both approved for the demolition of the illegally constructed footbridges to help resolve the flooding concern in the area.

Reduction of Danger Zones chief Jose Daluz III, who attended the meeting, said though that officials from Mandaue City requested for time to make their constituents understand the demolition.

Daluz said that Mandaue Mayor Jonas Cortes was accompanied by his city administrator, city engineer, housing czar and barangay captain of Subangdaku. Cebu City officials who attended the meeting were Acting Mayor Edgardo Labella, City attorney Jerone Castillo, City Administrator Lucelle Mercado, housing czar lawyer Collin Rossell and Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement head Racquel Arce.

Daluz said that there will also be demolition of all the illegal structures in Barangay Subangdaku on Tuesday, which is their priority for now.

“I have the permission of Mandaue to say that on Tuesday, there will be a removal of settlers atbang sa atong gihimo diha sa Hyper mart side sa block 27,” he said, adding that the Mandaue City government would also restore the three-meter easement zone.

“They have already scheduled this (demolition of settlers). Kay bag-o ra pud nila na-receive ang go signal sa Camp Crame kay nangayo man sila og police for security para maka-control sa crowd. So they need the Camp Crame nga mo-facilitate,” Daluz added.

He said that Cortes wants to have time to think for possible solutions that would give the settlers other means to use other than the footbridges.

Daluz said that he will bring the matter to Mayor Michael Rama who is now in Portugal and will be back next week.

“Ang atoa karon is that we will convey it to Mayor Rama and maybe magkastorya sila sa mayor sa Mandaue if kanus-a gyod ang time nga gipangayo nila,” he said.

Daluz said that the Cebu City government would not proceed with the demolition of the 22 footbridges located in the city because their priority is the two footbridges that are in the boundary of both cities.

After the meeting, a coordinating committee was convened to keep an eye on Mahiga-related issues involving the cities of Mandaue and Cebu.

“Mandaue has appointed four of its people, housing chief, barangay captain of Subangdaku, city administrator and the executive secretary. Sa Cebu City, we have Atty. Castillo, Atty. Rosell, Engr. Poblete, Raquel Arce, and myself,” said Daluz.  (FREEMAN)