Gov’t to re-plan Zambo City’s war-torn district

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) will be busy in the next three weeks re-planning the war-torn district of this city, according to Secretary  Rogelio Singson.

The DPWH chief yesterday said he recommended the city’s re-planning  after he inspected the war-damaged villages and assessment by his personnel.

The DPWH was the lead agency tasked by President Aquino to rehabilitate the villages of Rio Hondo, Mariki, Sta. Barbara, Sta. Catalina, and Kasanyangan.

“We will have to re-plan that as there is a need for additional roads and community facilities,” Singson told journalists  after a briefing with the city government of Zamboanga. 

He said they want to re-plan the affected areas and integrate it with the city, as these were not properly planned.

“So now we have an opportunity to plan it properly.”

Mayor Ma. Isabelle Climaco-Salazar expressed  support on the re-planning noting it is part of the rehabilitation  and settlement of the displaced residents.

Singson said landowners who would be affected by the re-planning would be compensated.

The DPWH will work with the housing agency and the city engineering office to determine the area that will be affected and the budget needed for the re-planning.

President Aquino have already earmarked P3.89 billion from his calamity and contingency funds for the rehabilitation  of the city’s war-torn districts.