Binay warns Rembo folks of landslides

Over 200 residents living within the "Kabute Area" in Barangay West Rembo, Makati City have been warned by Mayor Elenita Binay over the possibility of landslides and soil erosion in the area especially now at the onset of the rainy season.

Binay, together with barangay chairman Vicente Renia of West Rembo, has appealed to the residents to follow the signboards and safety structures installed by the city government in the area that prohibit them to reside on the weak portions of the hilltop.

At the same time, Binay directed City Engineer Nelson Morales to conduct an intensive inspection of the "Kabute Area" to ensure that its weak and damaged portions will be repaired immediately.

The lady mayor told Morales to put up steel railings on the weak portions of the place to prevent the occurrence of landslide and soil erosion similar to what happened at the Payatas dumpsite in Quezon City three weeks ago.

More than 50 families are currently living in the place that was called "kabute" because of the shanties which have increasingly sprouted there since 1986.

"We have continuously discouraged the public from building houses in the kabute area since it was declared a danger zone, but some people have disregarded our instructions. However, the city government will not hesitate to evacuate them if necessary to ensure their well-being," Binay said.

Binay said she would coordinate with the National Housing Authority (NHA) and the Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) regarding the possible relocation of the "kabute area" residents.