Mahiga Creek settlers ‘ready to leave’ ahead of demolition

MORE than 50 settlers illegally occupying the three-meter easement zone in the Mahiga Creek signified interest in cooperating with the Cebu City government.

“They voluntarily went to us. Starting this Monday, we will conduct conflict meetings with them,” City Legal Officer Jerone Castillo said yesterday, a day after the lapse of the 15-day period notice issued to them to vacate the area.

Castillo is part of a focus group under the REDZ (Reduction of Danger Zones) program headed by former city councilor Jose Daluz III. The meetings will be held at the City Legal Office, Castillo said.

A three-person group composed of representatives from the Division for the Welfare of the Poor (DWUP), the City Legal Office and the Office of the Mayor will meet with the settlers.

“Solutions will be on a case-to-case basis,” Castillo said.

He mentioned one settler who was offered six months’ worth of rent payments after he signified willingness to leave the zone.

Castillo said they will dismantle the homes of those who have no intention of leaving since the cases filed against the city government in relation to the 2011 Mahiga Creek clearing were dismissed.

REDZ will also meet with owners of business establishments near the Mahiga creek next week.

“We will ask them how they can help us in addressing the flooding problem of the Mahiga creek,” Castillo said.

If successful, the REDZ program will serve as a model for clearing rivers in Kinalumsan, Guadalupe, Lahug and Bulacao. Correspondent Jose Santino S. Bunachita