Diversion road encroaching river?
CEBU, Philippines – A councilor in Talisay City is urging the Department of Environment and Natural Resources to inspect Mananga River in Barangay Jaclupan to determine if the diversion road there is not encroaching the river.
City Councilor Danilo Caballero wants the river inspected following the flashflood that hit the area earlier this week which stranded hundreds of motorists.
In his inspection, Caballero noted that the riverbed has seemed to shrink compared to when there was still no diversion road in the area.
"Kaning sapaa dako unta ni pero nagduda ko nga nigamay ni tungod sa gihimo nga diversion road sa contractor sa road widening," he said.
The barangays of Lagtang, Jaclupan, Camp 4 and Manipis are currently undergoing a road widening project of the Department of Public Works and Highways contracted by the QM Builders.
QM Builders built the diversion road for motorists' convenience, as well as for their work to remain unhampered by traffic.
But Caballero wants the contractor to present documents that will justify the creation of such road.
"Ako dili ko against sa development pero I want it nga legal ang tanan nga lakang ug way gilapas nga bisan unsa nga balaod," Caballero told The FREEMAN.
Caballero will submit his resolution in their next regular session on Tuesday.
Separately, however, Willie Abatayo, project supervisor of QM Builders, said they have the necessary documents, adding that his supervisor, Alan Quirante, had bought the land near the riverbed in which to build the diversion.
Vice Mayor Romeo Villarante has invited Quirante to the session to shed light on the complaints raised against the project.
Jaclupan Barangay Captain Joel Orbiso earlier put the blame on QM Builders for the complaints filed before his office.
"Ako ang pasanginlan sa reklamo sa mga tawo ngadto sa QM nga ako wa man nagkuwang sa pag-coordinate sa taga-QM," Orbiso said.
He said he is glad that the city has finally intervened to help address the issue. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc of BANAT News
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