Cimatu: Enforce environmental laws

CEBU, Philippines —  Taking cue from the massive flooding in Cagayan Valley region, Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu reminded Cebu City to implement environmental laws in order to prevent flooding and possible losses to life and property.

Cimatu discussed the city’s flooding problem with Mayor Edgardo Labella yesterday, saying there is a need to restore creeks and rivers.

Specifically, he told establishment and building owners to “do what is right.”

Cimatu inspected the area where a teenage boy was trapped and swept away by the flood during last month’s massive flooding on General Maxilom Avenue, resulting to the boy’s death.

“There was no more creek there. Natabunan na ng mga buildings. I looked into the maps, natatakpan na pati sa latest,” he said.

Cimatu said he noticed several violations, especially on the three-meter easement from the waterways.

“Like in Manila, ginawa ko, free the esteros. Dito, covered na…yung building. Dapat i-implement what is in the law,” he said.

Cimatu said clearing operations should continue and once done, there should be regular cleanup. He likewise said that the three-meter easement should be followed by building and structure owners.

“I just hope that when we clear all these creeks, and linisin natin, we maintain ang three-meter easement para ma restore ang waterways,” he said.

In this way, the flooding in Cagayan will not happen here.

“Sana hindi mangyari ang nangyari sa Cagayan (dito) at hindi mangyari ulit ang nangyari doon (flood claimed some lives),” said Cimatu.

The environment chief likewise advised that the city step up its disaster risk reduction efforts to prevent what happened in Cagayan Valley.

Cimatu said the city government, together with his department, will remove obstructions and restore creeks and rivers while appealing to establishment owners to cooperate and do what is right. — JMD (FREEMAN)