NO MOVING OUT. The families living under the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge will take their chances and stay put despite the danger posed by falling debris caused by the resumption of bridge repairs. (CDN PHOTO/TONEE DESPOJO)
THE Mandaue City government won’t drive out the families living under the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge on the Mandaue City side until they are given assistance by the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH).
“If that will be the case, that they won’t give assistance, then I’ll immediately refer this to the City Legal Office,” said Tony Pet Juanico, Mandaue City Housing and Development Office (HUDO) chief.
The DPWH’s 6th District Engineering Office said they cannot give any financial aid or relocation site for the families.
But Juanico said DPWH is obligated to do so since the bridge repair is a national government project.
Juanico said the city cannot immediately shell out funds to the families since they may be questioned by the Commission on Audit (COA).
The DPWH regional office gave another list of structures affected by the project.
Juanico said some residents applied for inclusion to the Pakna-an relocation site.
HUDO, DPWH and contractor Jegma Construction will conduct a demarcation in the area for Phase 1 of the bridge repairs. Juanico said they will determine the number of houses to be affected by the project.
After this, Juanico said they will conduct consultations with the affected residents.