Thursday, April 05, 2007 5 councilors to look into road right-of-way issue
THE Cebu City Council yesterday tasked five councilors to look into concerns raised by Barangay Pulangbato residents over a subdivision project that threatens their road right-of-way.
The council also raised environmental concerns that it said Sta. Lucia Realty and Development Inc., the developer of Metropolis Subdivision, should address.
It already deferred, for the second time, acting on Sta. Lucia’s locational clearance application for Phase 2, and referred this back to the City Zoning Board.
Over 200 Sitio Kasambagan residents wrote the mayor for the City Government to ask Sta. Lucia to provide them with a three-meter road right-of-way.
Balancing interests
While they are still allowed to pass through the Metropolis Subdivision, they are afraid homeowners will close the gates and bar them from entering in the future.
Sitio Kamanggahan residents also have the same problem, as homeowners’ associations of Phase 1A and Phase 1B also want to block their only access to the national highway, which is through the subdivision (Metropolis).
Vice Mayor Michael Rama said there is a need to balance all interests. Although the City wants development, it should also take into consideration the concerns of residents and that of the environment.
Negotiation
In yesterday’s council session, Sta. Lucia representatives explained that they were at a loss what to do because the company could not just close the road and deny Kamanggahan residents access to the highway.
The homeowners’ concern, on the other hand, is legitimate enough to be given considerable attention.
Those in Sitio Kasambagan are in the same situation.
Jorge Agbay, in behalf of the residents, wrote Mayor Tomas Osmeña for help, especially since there is no agreement between them and the subdivision about their continued use of the road.
A Sta. Lucia representative, though, assured that they are trying to solve the matter by negotiating with three lot owners so the firm can construct a road for the Kasambagan residents.
During the discussion, City Councilor Nestor Archival also asked that the subdivision’s drainage should pass through a wastewater treatment plant before it discharges its effluents to the Butuanon River.
Archival heads the council committee on environment.
City Councilor Jocelyn Pesquera also reminded Sta. Lucia of the ordinance that requires subdivisions to set up rainwater catchments to prevent flooding, especially on areas below the project.
Sta. Lucia assured the officials that Metropolis is in a low-lying area right beside the Butuanon River where rainwater could be directed to prevent flooding of roads and streets. (RHM)
