Affected folks seek clarification on compensation package
Several affected residents along the route of Cebu Bus Rapid Transit (BRT) project are seeking clarification from the City Government on the compensation for their structures that will be removed once the project will be put in place.
In a meeting held at the gym of Barangay Poblacion Pardo yesterday, residents wanted to know what will happen to their houses and commercial establishments once work on the project starts.
The project implementation unit of BRT has to acquire some property along the route since it will be used as the area for some of its facilities, including stations for buses and terminals, among others.
Since the city experienced heavy downpour for the past days, some of them also inquired if the project will include the fixing of drainage.
At least 200 residents from Barangays Mambaling, Basak San Nicolas, Basak Pardo, Kinasang-an, Bulacao, Inayawan and Poblacion Pardo turned up for the meeting.
Association of Barangay Councils (ABC) President Philip Zafra, Mayor Tomas Osmeña’s executive assistant Francisco “Bimbo” Fernandez, and Poblacion Pardo Barangay Captain Althea Lim were also present during the meeting.
Zafra said that affected residents will be properly informed once the City Government gets the list of the affected property owners.
He also said that the existing flyovers might be used as an exclusive lane for the BRT buses.
Zafra said that the P16 million budget already included the adjustment of drainage system, and that the BRT is meant to improve the traffic situation and will not replace jeepneys.
“Rest assured when the government has projects like this there will always be just compensation,” said Zafra.
Zafra also assured residents that they will coordinate with the concerned barangays to address everyone’s concerns./