Govt eyes moving 20,000 Metro squatters yearly away from flood-prone areas


A government interagency body is aiming to remove annually some 10,000 to 20,000 squatters from flood-prone areas, particularly those residing near waterways, Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo said Tuesday.

 
"Taon-taon between 10 to 20,000 ang ililipat natin. Ang pangulo bago nagdaan ang habagat, nag-ikot kami sa Pasig River...Naghanap tayo ng lilipatan nila along the river, private property o government property na pwede kunan ng pamahalaan," Robredo said in an interview on dzBB radio.

Robredo heads an inter-agency body to relocate illegal settlers in danger zones. The task force includes the:
  • Metropolitan Manila Development Authority, 
  • Department of PUblic Works and Highways, 
  • National Housing Authority, and 
  • Department of Social Welfare and Development.
 
Robredo said their priority  was to move some 30,000 squatters living near the easement near the waterways.

Robredo said the task force has started clearing the easements to esteros to ensure the smooth flow of water, including floodwaters, to waterways.

He noted that about 100,000 informal settlers are residing at the easement of the esteros.

He said Aquino has given the task force a funding of P10 billion a year - good for moving 20,000 a year.
 

Warning to barangay officials

Meanwhile, Robredo also warned barangay officials of charges if they allow squatters in cleared areas to return and reestablish their homes.
 
"Ang primary responsibility ng enforcement ng Building Code sa lugar si kapitan. Kung may problema, kasama siya... Ang makakakita ng ganitong pangyayari si kapitan. At siguro maing malinaw kung may tumayo di pinaalis o report sa building official kasama ito sa pananagutan," Robredo said.
 
 
Robredo said the task force will try to relocate squatters "on-site" first, then "in-city," then "near-city" before resorting to resettlement in other provinces.
 
Robredo said in the last six months, the government has given the families to be moved some social preparation.
 
Local government officials in the proposed relocation sites are also consulted, he added. - VVP, GMA News

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