THE Mandaue City Government blames the postponement of the clearing of the informal settlers along the Butuanon River for the delay of the installation of riprap in the area.

In April 2020, the Department of the Interior and Local Government released a memorandum to postpone demolition and eviction activities in all local government units as the nation was placed under a state of emergency.

However, the construction of riprap has started in those areas without informal settlers.

John Eddu Ibañez, the executive secretary of Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes, said installing riprap is not the only solution to flooding thus, he has mentioned other flood control measures that will be implemented.

“These are some of the projects, some of which are ongoing: desilting, Butuanon outfall diversion and slope protection,” Ibañez said.

In addition, the Mandaue City Government has been planning to install dams along rivers to utilize and efficiently use their water resources.

Meanwhile, Mandaue City will continue to use the barangay gyms and schools as evacuation centers.

However, according to Ibañez, Mandaue City is still looking for open spaces where they can build an evacuation center.

Now that the contract of the former Cebu North Bus terminal has expired, Ibañez said it will soon become the city’s evacuation center.

For the learners and teachers who have been greatly affected by the heavy flooding, Ibañez said the city is willing to help the schools, particularly in reprinting the damaged modules. (KFD)