Japan-funded Marawi housing project completed

MANILA, Philippines — The Japanese government has completed its housing project worth P500 million for residents displaced by the armed conflict in Marawi in 2017.

Japanese Ambassador Koshikawa Kazuhiko led the ceremonial turnover of 462 permanent houses to affected families on Thursday.

The Japanese government had earlier provided a grant of $10 million in support of the United Nations Habitat’s program to provide core shelters and livelihood support for Marawi residents.

The first phase of the project was completed with the turnover of 109 permanent houses in Barangay Dulay West on Feb. 25, 2021 and 279 houses in Barangays Dulay Proper and Gadongan on July 22, 2021 and last March 3, respectively.

The third phase of the project involved 150 permanent houses provided to residents of Barangay Kilala on Oct. 15, 2021.

The Japanese embassy said 1,000 houses have been turned over with the completion of the joint project.

Power restored

Meanwhile, electricity has been restored in five barangays in the city’s most-affected area (MAA) or ground zero.

“The electrification of the additional barangays in the center of MAA signifies the success of the government-led rehabilitation,” Task Force Bangon Marawi and Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Secretary Eduardo del Rosario said during the ceremonial lighting of the five barangays on Wednesday.

These are in Moncado Kadingilan, Norhaya, Sangcay Dansalan, Moncado Colony and Datu Naga. The Lanao del Sur Electric Cooperative Inc. (Lasureco) carried out the power restoration in coordination with the task force.

Del Rosario said residents returning to rebuild their homes can now apply for electricity connection with Lasureco.

The government vowed to finish 95 percent of all major infrastructure projects in Marawi before the end of President Duterte’s term on June 30.

The remaining projects are expected to be completed by December. – Louise Maureen Simeon, Elizabeth Marcelo