Dike project worries urban poor in Munti

MORE than 50 Muntinlupa urban poor residents staged a rally in front of city hall on Monday to air their concern over government projects which they fear could lead to their eviction from their houses such as the P123­-billion Laguna Lakeshore Expressway Dike Project (LLEDP).

The protesters—members of the Alyansa ng Nagkakaisang Maralita ng Muntinlupa who are mostly fishermen, informal settlers and relocatees—called on the city government to intervene, saying they may end up losing both their homes and means of livelihood.

According to the group’s spokesperson, Ronaldo Molera who is a fisherman, their biggest concern was the LLEDP which may be implemented starting next year.

The project calls for the construction of a 47­-kilometer toll road running from Taguig City to Laguna province, a flood control dike to mitigate flooding in communities along the Laguna Lake in addition to the reclamation of around 700 hectares of the lake near the cities of Taguig, Parañaque and Muntinlupa.

“This project will not only affect our means of livelihood but will also displace 20,000 families from Muntinlupa,” Molera said.

He added that the fishermen in the area were hoping that the project would not push through since it would target fishing grounds.

In a dialogue granted by the city government on Monday, planning officer Noel Cadorna said that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) had proposed assistance for families who would be affected by the project.

He added that while the Muntinlupa government was supportive of the LLEDP, it could not ignore the rights of residents who stand to be displaced.

For her part, Urban Poor Affairs Office head Alita Ramirez said that a relocation site was already being planned although the details have yet to be forwarded to the city government and the National Housing Authority.

Sought for comment, Mayor Jaime Fresnedi said that though the city government supported national projects, due process must be followed to avoid displacing residents.