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Friday, September 16, 2005
Waterway endangers 100 houses
By Joel P. Mapiles
CANDABA -- The strong current of the Pampanga River and frequent soil erosion in its river bank is threatening more than 100 houses in the town, and affected families are now living in constant fear for their lives.
Those barangays that are being affected by the river's strong current include Pansinao, Lanang, Pasig, Buas, Bambang, Mandasig, Gulap and Sto. Rosario.
Romeo Matic, a town resident whose property--some four meters of his lot and part of the kitchen--was swept away by the strong water current, said they are worried that the houses in the area would collapse.
Jose Magpayo, a resident of Barangay Buas, said that when part of his house, which was constructed at the edge of the river, collapsed due to soil erosion, he was at the house together with his hogs.
Dario Lapuz, also a resident of Barangay Buas, said he and his family have evacuated to the house of his brother at a nearby barangay. Their house was also taken away by the river.
Mayor Jerry Pelayo said he activated the Municipal Disaster Coordinating Council (MDCC) to provide help to the families living in the area and prepare for the evacuation of the families in case this is needed.
After assessing the situation of the families in the town, Pelayo said the Municipal Government is planning to relocate the 100 affected families in a proposed resettlement site near the Arayat-Apalit setback levee.
He said for now, they can do nothing to solve the perennial soil erosion along the river bank except to find a long term solution, and that is to construct a permanent resettlement center for the affected families.
The mayor directed the Municipal Engineer's Office to immediately prepare a plan for the initial construction of 11 houses worth P50,000 each.
He said he would ask the assistance of some senators and other ranking government officials to provide funding for the realization of permanent homes for affected families.
He said he has already instructed city social workers, engineers, and policemen to closely monitor the situation in the area to prepare for any eventuality. (Sun.Star Pampanga/Sunnex)
(September 16, 2005 issue)
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