Thursday, October 23, 2008 All water runoff from Shrine goes to 1 creek By Grace L. Plata
THE Luho Creek serves as the only waterway from the Shrine Hills and Ma-a area to the Davao River, and this presents a dilemma for proposed development and developers in Shrine Hills.
This issue was put to light last Tuesday during the presentation of two developers in relation to their application of a preliminary approval and location clearance (PALC).
Councilor Jose Louie Villafuerte first asked the developers to have an effective drainage system to alleviate the fear of the Ma-a residents.
"There is an existing drainage problem in Ma-a, if the development in Shrine Hills does not have an effective plan to divert the water, mas mudako ang baha sa Ma-a (flooding in Ma-a will worsen)," Villafuerte said.
He also appealed to the developers to help Ma-a residents solve the flooding as a sign of goodwill and to soften their opposition.
"This may eliminate their fears of added flooding and landslide," Villafuerte said.
This was when Councilor Rachel Zozobrado stood up to ask whether or not the developers have identified other waterways aside from the Luho Creek.
"The Datu Luho Creek is also congested. During heavy rains, it cannot hold the water anymore, thus the flooding in Ma-a. Other developments in the area also drain at the Luho Creek," Zozobrado said.
Architect Victoria Joy Adriano, General Manger of DMC-Updi, said the Luho Creek is "the only viable channel in the area towards the Davao River".
"No other option has been explored so far," Adriano said.
The developers were thus instructed to further study the matter and meet with Ma-a residents.
Next Tuesday, Ma-a residents will present reasons for their opposition to the development at Shrine Hills. Concerned agencies such as the City Planning and Development Office, Mines and Geosciences Bureau and the Housing and Land Use Regulatory Board will have their chance on another Tuesday.
Councilor Arnolfo Ricardo Cabling, chair of the committee on housing, rural and urban development, said that although the City Council can immediately issue the PALC as this is but a permit to pursue studies and craft development plans, they opt not to do so.
"We will give all parties time to present their stand. Kasi if we give the PALC and there are indeed reasons not to allow the project, sayang naman 'yung efforts ng developers," Cabling said.
"We would not also want the residents of Ma-a to feel aggrieved because they were not heard. It is a long process but it is the only way for a fair solution," he added. (GLP)
