NHA: 7,025 Permanent Houses Built for ‘Yolanda’ Survivors in Tacloban

Tacloban City (PNA) –- Two years after supertyphoon “Yolanda” battered the region, the National Housing Authority (NHA) reported that 7,025 permanent houses have been completed for survivors in this badly-hit city.

In a report, posted on its website on Thursday, the NHA said the construction of 6,719 houses are now ongoing and will be completed by Dec. 2016.

The accomplishment, according to the National Economic and Development Authority is still below the 14,433 target for this city, but Regional Director Bonifacio Uy said the government is doing its best to address issues.

Constructions have been concentrated in the northern part of the city for families living in danger zones. The national government and non-government organizations (NGOs) have been building permanent houses in 21 sites for thousands of families in this city alone.

Uy echoed the statement of Economic Planning Secretary Arsenio Balisacan that reconstruction efforts have been hindered by a whole set of serious policy and implementation issues.

“These include policies on procurement and land acquisition and the many required permits and clearances needed to start certain projects. Given the significant delays that these policies and procedures have caused, these policies need to be reviewed and changed, if necessary,” Balisacan stated in a press briefing.

As of Oct. 30, the NHA has already released PHP26.99 billion funds for permanent housing construction in all affected areas in central Philippines. Eastern Visayas gets a big chunk of the budget for housing needs of 56,140 families in high risk zones.

Of 116 towns and cities hit by the 2013 catastrophe, Tacloban was tagged as the ground zero, which requires the transfer of more than 50,000 people to safe areas.

Resettlement have been established in Tacloban villages of Kawayan, Tagpuro, Cabalawan, Suhi, Sto Niño, New Kawayan, Camansihay, Salvacion, Tigbao, and Sta. Elena.

Uy admitted that water supply is a major concern of relocating families since areas near resettlement sites are not being serviced by the Leyte Metropolitan Water District (LMWD).

“Relocation sites have higher elevation compared to downtown. Providing water from the existing LMWD pipes may not be technically feasible,” Uy told PNA.

To address the problem, the Local Water Utilities Authority will put up a new water supply system for the areas, but it will take nearly two years to complete the project, according to Uy.

Temporary solutions include installation of deep well water pumps by the NHA and water tanks by the Department of Social Welfare and Development. (PNA) JMC/SARWELL Q. MENIANO