Verdan, however, acknowledged the importance of the spy cameras in monitoring movements of people inside the pier area and the departures and arrivals of domestic and international vessels.
But he said they have to focus first on the improvements of the subports in the towns of Sta. Fe, Dumanjug, Argao, Tabuelan, Tuburan and Toledo City because this is in line with the Roll-on-Roll-off Terminal System project of President Arroyo.
“We may push through with the surveillance camera project after we rehabilitate all the subports,” Verdan said.
However, a port commissioner said the reason the surveillance cameras was cancelled was the controversy hounding the Department of Public Works and Highways over the purchase of traffic surveillance camera for the Asean summit.
Squatters’ houses
Verdan, meanwhile, said the remaining squatters’ houses at the port area near the Gothong Southern firm will be demolished after the May 14 elections, as scheduled by the CPA last month.
Hundreds of squatter-families were already relocated or have voluntarily demolished their shanties after receiving P20,000 each in cash assistance from CPA.
Verdan said the remaining squatters will also receive cash assistance from CPA and may opt to remove their houses by themselves.
After the demolition of squatter colonies began last year, Verdan said, the private landowners within the port area and adjacent to it are planning to put up various businesses.
He said that most of the businesses eyed by the traders are warehousing, manufacturing, cargo forwarding, and customs brokering. (EOB)
