Settlers agree to move back houses

Settlers living at the back of the construction site for the new Cebu City Medical Center (CCMC) agreed to have their houses set back by the city to allow entry of the contractor’s equipment.

In a meeting with residents at the Pahina Central gym yesterday afternoon, City Engineer Jose Marie Poblete assured the affected families that they can return to the site after six months.

The city’s Department of Social Welfare and Services (DSWS) assured the families that they will receive financial assistance ranging from P5,000 to P10,000.

“We just don’t want you to be injured. Whatever happens to you there while construction is ongoing, we will be the ones blamed,” Poblete told the settlers.

He said they have to take down the retaining wall at the back of the old CCMC building along N. Bacalso Ave. corner Panganiban St. to let the contractor’s heavy equipment into the construction site.

There are 17 houses at the back of the wall that were identified by the city’s Department of Engineering and Public Works (DEPW) that will be set back by at least 1.5 meters.

Yesterday’s meeting was also attended by City Councilor Sisinio Andales who lives within the area near CCMC and an engineer of C.E. Padilla Construction, the private contractor for the P600 million first phase of the hospital project.

Andales said there should be an agreement between the city and the residents to ensure that the settlers can return to their homes.

He said some settlers can live with relatives or rent a different area while the contractor works on the project.

The residents asked Poblete that they be given a one-week notice prior to the demolition of the wall.