‘No relocation, no demolition’ in Davao City

DAVAO CITY – Saying that he could not stand the sight of children sleeping the streets, President Duterte assured more than 100 families living in a barangay here that their homes will not be demolished unless they are provided with a proper relocation site.

In a dinner he hosted for the 103 families from Purok 35 of Barangay 76A of this city, Duterte said that he will personally attend to the task of finding them a relocation site before they are made to vacate their residences, and make way for a new road.

“Kani man gud, dalan. Ato gyud nang gamiton pagabot sa panahon. Gamiton gyud na sa tao ug sa sakyanan (You have to understand, this road, we have to use this when the time comes. People and vehicles will have to use it),” President Duterte said.

He added that he was also concerned about the children who will have to contend about living on the sidewalk.

Duterte told the residents that it might take him a year before he could find a place for them.

“Naa koy nakit-an na usa. Ambot lang kung masakto mong tanan. Pero irelocate ta mo didto. Tagai kog usa ka tuig para makabutang kog ipangbalhin nako unsay mga negosyo-negosyo sa mga tao, (I found an area, I’m just not sure if everyone can fit there. But I will relocate you there. Just give me a year so that I can put everything in place, including the businesses for the people,” Duterte said.

The new street in Barangay 76A is expected to ease traffic flow in the area.

Last week, the city council sought an explanation from various agencies on the worsening traffic situation in the city that was apparently caused by simultaneous construction and repair of major roads.

The city council passed a resolution seeking for an explanation and update from the Department of Public Works and Highways and the Davao City Water District regarding their construction projects.