DPWH fast-tracking development of Marawi transitory shelters
After inspecting evacuation centers for Marawi evacuees, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now working on the timely completion of site development works where the first batch of transitory houses for Marawi siege evacuees will be built.
“The area being developed by DPWH in Barangay Sagongsongan, Marawi City can accommodate 1,100 families,” DPWH Secretary Mark Villar noted.
Villar added that the DPWH was “currently, preparing a portion of the site where the National Housing Authority (NHA) can build a total of 275 transitory houses.”
According to him, a total of R241.69 million has been allocated for the land development of Sagongsongan Village.
This will cover the clearing and grubbing, fuel and construction of model houses with total costs of R20.64 million, the asphalt overlay and drainage works within the five initial areas of the site costing R142.6 million, and the additional four-hectare and two-hectare sites proposed by Marawi City officials in the amount of R51.9 million and R26.5 million respectively.
“Once the sites are developed, NHA may begin the construction stage of the needed transitory shelters of Marawi siege internally-displaced persons (IDPs),” Villar noted.
Villar also vowed to provide for latrines and water supply in all the nine evacuation centers for internallydisplaced persons (IDPs) from the Marawi conflict.
“DPWH trucks have delivered water for the IDPs, and backfilling materials to compact muddy grounds,” said Secretary Villar.
Lanao del Norte evacuation centers in Pantar, Pantao-Ragat, Beroni, Balo-I, and Barangay Landa, Balo-I have likewise received water supply, water tanks, deep well pump, insulators to cool down DSWD and DOH tents, andgravel to improve pathways, roadways, and the muddy conditions.
DPWH is a member agency in Task Force Bangon Marawi Housing SubCommittee, tasked to construct temporary and permanent shelters including provision of utilities. The Department also heads the Reconstruction SubCommittee which is responsible for the reconstruction, repair, and rehabilitation of all national roads and bridges, public schools, and government buildings.
Aside from this, DPWH has conducted quick response activities in Marawi IDPs’ evacuation centers. This include distribution of relief goods and water supply, installation of latrines, improvement of deep well, pathway, roadway, and flooring. Qualified dependents of soldiers and policemen who were killed in action in the Marawi siege operation, were also employed by the DPWH.