Relocation assured for STP site occupants

THE construction of a sewage treatment plant (STP) is expected to displace residents in Barangay Lower Quarry, Baguio City.

Mayor Benjamin Magalong said at least 21 structures at Lower Quarry will be affected by the setup of the STP while stressing thousands will benefit in the project.

The mayor said occupants at the site are not legitimate land owners with no papers to back their claim.

“They do not own the property. They illegally occupied the space and we need around one hectare for the STP,” Magalong said.

Magalong added the area spans 1.1 hectares, assuring if the space needs less area then occupants will not be relocated.

“Households will benefit are from City Camp, Lourdes and Quarry sites,” Magalong said.

Magalong added a socialized housing relocation will be readied for the 21 structure occupants.

“Kung sakali man na sila ay matatangal diyan (If ever they will be displaced), there will be a relocation site. There will be medium sized socialized housing and not land areas,” the mayor said.

A petition was earlier submitted by concerned residents of Lower Rock Quarry, Middle Rock Quarry, Lourdes Extension and City Camp Central Barangays expressing their opposition to the proposed sewerage and septage facility of the city to be located in their barangay.

Among the reasons raised are the alleged displacement of hundreds of residents within the said barangays; lack of consultation done by the city with the affected residents; alleged displacement in the proposed project site and irreparable injury and damages to existing properties and the right of the property owners; the endorsement of the 15 punong barangays to the proposed project was anchored on the fact that it will only cover 6,000 square meters and not 11,055 square meters as reflected in the sketch and special plan of the city government and the negative effects of the facility to the health of the residents living within the vicinity of the project.

According to the petition of the affected residents, most of the people living within the area have established residences in the proposed site for over 30 years with some having acquired the appropriate titles for their properties.

Earlier, the 15 punong barangays in the affected area passed Resolution No, series of 2017, inquiring and requesting an explanation and clarification of the Local Land Needs Identification Committee by the city government on the coverage of the project which correctly stated that there are existing residential houses and properties in the proposed site.

The proposed sewerage and septage treatment facility will contribute in cleaning the waste water discharged in the major river systems in the city as the city is contributing to the worsening water pollution in most of the waterways that originate from the different parts of the city. (With a report from Baguio City Public Information Office)

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