Stop Leyte embankment project — environment advocates

MANILA, Philippines — Environmentalists are asking for a halt in the construction of the Leyte Tide Embankment Project (LTEP) by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region VIII.?               

The Center for Environmental Concerns (CEC) together with scientists and Yolanda survivors lamented that the multibillion-peso infrastructure project is dangerous and has high social cost.?               

The Leyte Tide Embankment Project, a “storm-surge adaptation and mitigation measure,” spans 27.3 kilometers from Tacloban City to Tanauan. Different groups are questioning the project’s technical integrity, the environmental issues associated with its construction, and its socio-economic impact on local communities.?               

Since last year, the CEC and other organizations have participated in a series of dialogues and consultations regarding the threats of the so-called Great Wall of Ley “Unfortunately, the project proponents disregarded the contentions of local organizations and environmental groups. This is despite knowing the sentiments of the affected communities,” said Owen Migraso, CEC executive director. “What should be prioritized are rehabilitation projects.” ?               

He said that with the LTEP construction underway, the formation of a 7.8-kilometer seawall in San Jose District, Tacloban City will cause immediate dislocation of coastal communities, especially those dependent on fishing as their main source of livelihood.?             

The Leyte Tide Embankment Project is also part of the ambitious infrastructure blitz under the Duterte administration.?               

“We urge President Duterte and the local government to consider the demands of the communities which will soon be evicted to give way to the huge infrastructure project. It’s been years after Yolanda but the people remain unsettled,”  Migraso said.    

He said the project, instead of giving relief, will worsen the people’s living conditions.