Several houses along the Mahiga Creek (Cebu-Mandaue border) were demolished recently as part of the city government’s REDZ (Reduce Eliminate Danger Zone) RIVER Project. I’m not sure how many individuals and families were affected but based on the photos, I can say that the number (of families) could be more than a hundred. That means at least a thousand individuals.
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These houses have been here for years. And while they are a few feet above the water line, things can get a little scary during torrential rains and storms. In fact, if I’m not mistaken, when several micro-bursts hit the city a few months ago, numerous families from this section were evacuated to higher areas.
A few weeks ago, on my way home, I was finally able to make a quick stop and see the situation first-hand. This may not be a beautiful sight, but this is one of Cebu’s many sad realities that we need to see. I’m glad that they’re finally clearing the river. And I hope that the city government will make sure that the affected families are relocated to a much safer location.
The other side of the river is perfectly fine.
The opposite side is an entirely different story.
Reduce Eliminate Danger Zone River Project
Houses on stilts with a view of Sergio Osmeña Avenue and the Mandaue City welcome sign.
View of Sergio Osmeña Avenue with motorists coming from Mandaue City.
Closer look: A makeshift outhouse stands at the end of a wooden walkway.
These houses are currently standing right next to SM Hypermarket.
A lot of these houses are very small but can fit around 2 or more people each.
The materials used in the construction of these houses are also very light and can easily be destroyed by strong winds and even strong thunderstorms.
Most residents have already left the area.
What do you think of this recent development?
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