Tacloban seeks PHP9.8-B for full development of relocation sites

TACLOBAN CITY, July 13 (PNA) –- The city government needs PHP9.8 billion to fully develop the northern relocation sites intended for thousands of families severely affected by supertyphoon Yolanda in 2013.

Maria J. Lagman, head of the city housing and community development office said the government and private sector are putting up PHP4.8 billion investments for the construction of permanent houses.

“This is a new city within a city that will transform Tacloban and be home for thousands of the city’s population,” Lagman said.

Total additional investment to create city infrastructure is estimated at PHP5 billion in over three years, according to the official.

A big chunk of the proposed outlay is intended for the construction 655 classrooms with a funding requirement of PHP982.5 million.

Other major projects are permanent water supply (PHP570 million), centralized sewage system (PHP383.6 million), agro-industrial and light manufacturing technology park (PHP360 million), and development of eco-tourism and livelihood area (PHP158.9 million).

The city also needs PHP231 million to build a satellite city hall, public market, trading post, bus station, police station, fire station, park and sports center, shops, and retail center.

Multi-million funds have been asked from the government agencies and non government organizations for the construction of road networks and drainage, temporary water supply, temporary learning spaces, day care centers, health centers, and environmental protection.

“The objective is to transform the place from isolated resettlement area to sites that are integrated into the wider social fabric of the city, creating and environment that realizes its economic potential,” Lagman explained.

Environmental protection is very vital, according to Lagman since the area is near the San Juanico Strait, the city’s mariculture (marine agriculture) zone. “We cannot afford to see that place like Pasig River.”

The city government aims to transfer 16,281 families from danger zones in coastal communities to Tacloban northern relocation sites. The timeline is until 2018. As of this month, only 2,000 families have been transferred to their new homes.

“Population moves can only proceed if all issues are addressed. Challenges must be addressed as a whole to ensure all stakeholders march in step,” she added.

These proposals are all contained in the Tacloban North Integrated Development Plan and Tacloban North Economic Development Framework endorsed by the Regional Development Council. (PNA)
JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO