For families living along easement zones: CH readies temporary shelter 

CEBU, Philippines —  A three-story temporary shelter with materials imported from either Taiwan or China is now being prepared by the Cebu City government as the Task Force Gubat sa Baha shifts to a higher gear.

Lawyer Jerone Castillo, Task Force Gubat sa Baha co-chairman, said they are also in the process of vetting the affected families from the three-meter easement zones.

“We are already in the finalization stage sa katong atong gi listed…We have to verify para when we develop the temporary housing, sila gyuy mu-occupy kay naay mga opportunist lurking on the ground,” Castillo said.

The list of affected families, whose houses within the riverbanks will be demolished, must be certified by the barangay captains and the river commanders.

Earlier, Castillo revealed that around 4,000 families living within the three-meter easement zones of the city’s eight rivers have been identified. These families will be relocated to the medium-rise buildings the city will build for them.

While the MRBs are still being constructed, the city government will place them in a temporary shelter at the South Road Properties (SRP).

Architect Yumi Espina, city planning officer, said that there is already a proponent for the temporary shelter. The proponent offered to build a steel structure with materials imported from Taiwan or China.

Espina, however, said they still have to check the method of construction and how safe it will be.

He could not also provide additional details on the proposal like how much would it cost for the city.

Mayor Michael Rama wants to use the temporary shelter for the families affected by the clearing of waterways while waiting for the construction of the MRBs to be completed. Those affected families who can afford will be required to pay through Housing loan while the indigents will be given free housing unit. — FPL (FREEMAN)