2 Condos to Rise on Old Lorega Cemetery for Residents Living in Danger Zones

(PNA) — The Cebu City government will build two condominium buildings worth P78 million at the old Lorega Cemetery in Barangay Lorega-San Miguel, this city, as resettlement for residents living in danger zones.

Collin Rosell, chief of the city’s Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor, said the city has been planning for the construction of two four-storey buildings with 87 units each, which will primarily cater to residents living within the three-meter easement zone of the Mahiga Creek, which is considered a danger zone.

He said the city will break ground for the project next month.

The old cemetery has been overran by informal settlers who built their houses above the graves and tombs.

A huge fire hit the area last March 18 giving way to the city government to re-block and clear the place.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama said the two buildings, which will be under the city’s socialized housing program, are open to other residents.

“It’s about affordability. If you don’t have the money, how can you be given the opportunity to live in the building?” he said.

Rama said the city government will make a comprehensive plan on the regulation of the structures and to give livelihood to occupants so they can pay for their units.

Cebu City Administrator Lucelle Mercado said the city has yet to receive the P78-million budget for the construction of the two buildings from the national government. (PNA)LAP/EB

Photo above: Mahiga Creek (Credit: cebudailynews.wordpress.com)