Aid awaits families affected by flood control project

THE Cebu City Government has released P2.5 million as assistance to around 70 families affected by the flood control project in the river that passes through Barangays Tejero and Tinago.

Each owner whose house violated the three-meter easement rule will receive P35,000.

The Cebu City Council approved the resolution sponsored by Councilor Raymond Alvin Garcia granting the affected families financial assistance.

Garcia sits as the chairman of the committee on housing in the City Council.

The Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) has downloaded an initial P140 million to the City Treasurer’s Office for the project.

Garcia said they will make sure that the affected families will receive financial aid.

“Sometimes, it is a must that we make a tough decision between losing our properties and potentially placing ourselves in danger when disasters strike,” he said.

The DPWH has started the demolition of the concrete and light houses along the Lahug River, which traverses Tejero and Tinago, for its widening, and to start the installation of river bank protection.

City Councilor Jerry Guardo, committee on infrastructure chairman, said there is a need to fast track the completion of the project pursuant to the directive of Mayor Edgardo Labella to prevent or mitigate flood during the rainy season. (PAC / JJL)