CEBU, Philippines - Despite criticisms, the Mandaue City government is determined to push through with the acquisition of the 6.5 relocation site in barangay Paknaan.
Mayor Jonas Cortes said once this is achieved, flooding along A.S. Fortuna Street in barangay Bakilid would be a thing of the past.
He said houses that block waterways in the area would be demolished and the occupants relocated to the site in Paknaan and the beneficiaries can avail of the lots through a community mortgage program.
Aside from houses, establishments such as the Cebu Rolling Hills and L. H. Prime and garbage also get in the way of the flow of water in creeks, thus helping divert water to A. S. Fortuna Street during downpours.
Cortes said he will no longer pay attention to criticisms.
Many have criticized the relocation site, it being swampy in some parts.
However, during yesterday's press conference, Cortes hosted a video presentation which showed the relocation site in barangay Tipolo as a swampy area before homeowners of the Lower Tipolo Housing Association Inc. (LTHAI) built their houses years back.
Members of the (LTHAI) are among the beneficiaries of the 9.2 hectare lot which the city had donated to the urban poor during the term of former mayor now provincial board member Thadeo Ouano.
Cortes also made it clear it was not the city that purchased the lot but the down payments made by beneficiaries which came from the financial aid the city extended to them while the remaining balance would be paid through a monthly amortization to NHA through CMP. - THE FREEMAN