Umapad scavengers now have new houses
The Compostela re-housing project for the families in Umapad dumpsite in barangay Umapad, Mandaue City was finally blessed and inaugurated last Aug. 26.
Fr. Heinz Kulueke of Justice, Peace, Integrity of Creation – Integrated Development Center Cebu (JPIC-IDC), Bobby Dekeyser of Dekeyser and Friends Foundation and Dedon Manufacturing Cebu forged an agreement for the project last year to alleviate the depressing situation of the beneficiaries.
The Compostela re-housing village, established in partnership with private entities and non-government organizations through JPIC, sits on a 2.4 hectare resettlement site in barangay Bagalnga.
At least ten families composing the first batch of beneficiaries received the key to their houses.
One of the recipients of the 56 sq.m. house was very thankful and said she never thought of owning a house, much more leaving the dumpsite which has been their home ever since.
It was not only the beneficiaries who were moved to tears, but also Herve Lampert, Dedon chief executive officer and managing partner and Board of Director for Dekeyser and Friends Foundation.
After the inauguration, Herve and other visitors inspected the houses and the vegetation garden project of the residents.
Stakeholders came up with the project to provide decent homes after seeing the plight of the scavengers who are living in danger zones in the city.
“Beneficiaries can now leave their worries behind, especially during the rainy days, when water level in rivers near the dumpsite rises. They are now safe in their new home, no more tons of garbage that will endanger their health, especially the children,” Dedon said in its press statement.
“We hope that this project will inspire more people and organizations to do the same,” it added.
Designed by Jean-Marie Massaud, the 20 single detached units and 10 duplex units will house 40 families.
The remaining 30 beneficiries are expected to receive their housing units before the year ends, when the project is completed.
Also joining the inauguration were Compostela municipality officials, barangay officials, JPIC project coordinators and staff, Dedon Cebu family headed by managing director Vince Lampert, Grace Cabradilla, Rosie Sultan, Nona Ubas, Janice German and Stephen Burks.
