Clearing Mahiga

CLEARING. Sitio Mahayag, Barangay Subangdaku (foreground) is mostly clear of structures near the Mahiga Creek, which overflows during heavy rain. Sitio Mahusay across the bridge is next in line. (SUN.STAR PHOTO/ALLAN CUIZON)

THE Mandaue City Government started yesterday the demolition of 162 houses in Sitio Mahusay, Barangay Subangdaku, as part of efforts to move houses away from the banks of the Mahiga Creek.

The demolition in Sitio Mahusay follows a similar operation last Friday in Sitio Mahayag, just across a bridge, where 153 houses were cleared.

At least 34 families have decided to stay in Mahayag, where they have pitched tents, saying they want to negotiate with Mayor Jonas Cortes and cannot afford to pay for the relocation site the City has set aside in another barangay.

Other families in both sitios have decided to tear down their houses themselves, in order to save some planks and other materials.

Under Presidential Decree (PD) 772 and Republic Act (RA) 7279 (Urban and Housing Development Act of 1992), eviction and demolition are allowed when residents or structures occupy danger zone areas such as esteros, railroad tracks, garbage dumps, river banks, shorelines, waterways and other public places such as sidewalks, roads, parks and playgrounds.

Much time

The demolition of houses along Mahiga Creek is meant to protect lives and property, as well as prevent floods. The creek, choked by household waste and encroaching structures, often overflows during prolonged or heavy rains.

They have had so much time in their hands, said Carlo Ybaez, administrative officer of the Mandaue City Legal Office, in disputing comments from some residents that they didnt know about the scheduled demolition.

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Clearing Mahiga