AROUND 6,000 individuals are set to be relocated once the Cebu City Government begins its rehabilitation of the Butuanon River in 2024 as part of its effort to address the issue of flooding.
Mayor Michael Rama said on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 that he had already arranged the demolition of the houses where these people reside.
The City though will not be the only one clearing the 23-kilometer river from structures and residents living within the three-meter easement zone, as the Mandaue City Government will also do its part.
This collaboration was formalized by Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama and Mandaue City Mayor Jonas Cortes when they signed the memorandum of agreement (MOA) on Wednesday, Sept. 20, 2023 at the Cebu City Executive Hall, to jointly undertake the rehabilitation efforts of Butuanon River, which runs through both neighboring cities.
According to Rama’s special assistant, Raymarr Hijara, the 6,000 individuals are all residents of barangays in Cebu City. They will be transfered on a vacant lot near Pond A of the South Road Properties.
Prior to the MOA signing, Hijara said they had conducted studies involving different sectors to find sustainable solutions for flooding issues in Cebu City.
Ponds
Among the solutions considered are the construction of water detention ponds in upland areas and the planting of bamboo along the rivers to prevent soil erosion.
Representatives from the city governments of Mandaue and Cebu met on Monday, Sept. 18, for a roundtable discussion on how the cities can collaborate to address flooding. A consultant for the Mandaue City Government suggested the construction of a mini dam in the upper section of Butuanon River on the Cebu City side to prevent it from overflowing during a heavy rainfall.
When asked about the budget prepared for the rehabilitation project, Hijara did not specify the amount but said that they would coordinate with private sectors to help finance the project.
As for the timeline, he said that the project is expected to begin next year.
United effort
In an interview with reporters Wednesday, Rama emphasized the need for a united effort among different stakeholders to address flood issues, highlighting “unity, solidarity and utmost sacrifice.”
When asked about the fate of residential structures that will be affected by the project, Rama said he has arranged for their demolition, and he urged city councilors to actively participate in the project instead of making privilege speeches.
Rama said he has been pushing for the clearing of the three-meter easement zone since 2001 when he was the vice mayor, and he will continue to push for it, encouraging the members of the City Council to do the same.
Regarding relocation sites, the mayor said the former Cebu City Quarantine Center at the North Reclamation Area could also serve as an interim building for the displaced individuals.
SunStar Cebu attempted to obtain information from the Department for the Welfare of the Urban Poor chief Ronald Anthony Librando regarding the number of relocated individuals in relation to Cebu City’s Task Force Gubat sa Baha (War Against Flooding), but to no avail.
The task force is a special task force created by Rama in 2022 to address the problem of flooding in Cebu City. It is led by retired general and former Environment Secretary Roy Cimatu, and it is composed of representatives from different government agencies, as well as private sector stakeholders.
The task force’s objectives include clearing and widening rivers and waterways; demolishing structures that encroach on river easements; building flood control infrastructure, such as dikes and drainage systems; and educating the public about the importance of proper waste disposal and disaster preparedness.