TACLOBAN
CITY Nov. 25 (PNA) -– Residents of coastal San Jose district here have
expressed support to the national government’s tide embankment project designed
to shield communities from big waves.
“For me,
this is okay because it is for our protection during storm,” said Claressa
Homeres, 46, whose makeshift house stands just a stone's throw away from the
shore.
In the past,
some residents expressed opposition to the project dubbed as “Tacloban’s Great
Wall” as it will affect livelihood activities.
“What really
worried me was my business. I don’t know where to relocate this, but it’s okay
for as long as safety is ensured,” said Jenny Hayag, 48, who owns a small
community store in San Jose district.
Recently,
the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) said the PHP7.9-billion tide
embankment project designed to shield communities in this city and nearby towns
from rising seas, will proceed within this year.
DPWH Eastern
Visayas Regional Director Edgar Tabacon said the central government has already
set aside PHP2.6 billion funds this year to commence the construction of the
seawall. This will kick off in some parts of San Jose district in this city and
Palo town under section 4.
In 2017, the
project will get PHP700 million for construction activities in some coastal
villages of Palo and Tanauan towns, covering section 5.
Last Nov. 8,
President Rodrigo Duterte and DPWH Secretary Mark Villar were supposed to break
the ground for section 4 of tide embankment project in Palo town, but it was
cancelled after some groups threatened to hold a massive rally.
The
27.3-kilometer tide embankment project stretches from Diit village in Tacloban
to Cabuynan village in Tanauan town.
The
four-meter high structure is designed to protect coastal communities from storm
surges similar to those of super typhoon Yolanda. (PNA)
LAP/SQM/Yancy
Marie Claridad (OJT)
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