'YOLANDA' REHAB. Photo shows a completed 'Yolanda' housing project in Caibiran, Biliran. Governor Rogelio Espina on Friday (Jan. 31, 2020) said two housing sites in the province, with a total of 1,498 units are still without water system. (Photo courtesy of Watch Caibiran)
TACLOBAN CITY -- The provincial government of Biliran wants a proper and efficient water system in the two completed "Yolanda" housing sites in Caibiran town.
Governor Rogelio Espina said on Friday there are 1,498 occupied housing units in the province with no water system yet.
He said nothing has happened since the time when the previous administration of Caibiran has coordinated with the Local Water Utilities Administration (LWUA).
LWUA, which is tasked to implement the water systems in Yolanda housing projects, told officials of the local government unit that they will be served by the water district in Carigara, Leyte.
“The LGU refused and suggested them (LWUA) to download the funds in the lone water district in the province which is in Naval town, so they will implement the water system. Until now they still lack water system. This is an issue we will raise to the national government,” Espina said.
In a separate interview, the newly-installed regional director of the National Housing Authority (NHA) in Eastern Visayas, Gavino Figuracion, said he will do courtesy calls in all local government units with housing projects to tackle such issues and concerns.
“I just assumed my office two weeks ago, and my plan is to meet with local officials together with the developers and contractors, to evaluate the projects and identify what are the things that need rectification,” he said.
He added that it is not only the NHA that is involved in the implementation of "Yolanda" housing projects but also LWUA, the National Electrification Administration, and other government agencies.
“Each agency involved has its own participation, and we need to work hand in hand to provide each resettlement site the needed facilities and utilities,” Figuracion said.
Of the 205,128 housing units along the "Yolanda" corridor nationwide, at least 56,140 are in Eastern Visayas.
"Yolanda" (international name Haiyan), said to be the strongest typhoon in world history, struck the central Philippines and wreaked havoc on 175 cities and towns in 14 provinces in six regions.
The total damage cost and losses in "Yolanda"-affected areas reached PHP101.79 billion, of which PHP48. 79 billion came from Eastern Visayas. (PNA)
