TANAUAN, Leyte–-At least 400 of 800 families displaced by Supertyphoon “Yolanda” (international name: Haiyan) now living in danger zones have been moved to permanent relocation sites, almost two years after fierce winds and storm surges flattened this coastal town.
These families have already been transferred to concrete houses in two relocation sites in Pago and Sacme villages, said Mayor Pelagio Tecson.
“Our bias has been to support permanent relocation of victims. By November 8, the number of families in resettlement sites will be 450,” Tecson said.
Aside from the two sites, several houses are now under construction in a separate relocation area in Maribi village. The first few batches will be turned over within this week, according to Tecson.
The pace of transfer was slower than expected due to construction materials shortage, shortage of potable water supply in relocation sites, refusal of some households to move due to livelihood-related concerns.
The home rebuilding initiative is a joint project of the National Housing Authority, Gawad Kalinga (GK), Tanauan local government, private companies, and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
Under the agreement, the NHA provides fund from donors for land development, prepare site engineering development plan, finance housing construction, and carry out survey works.
The local government assisted GK in land acquisition, monitor project implementation, identify and screen project beneficiaries, and dispose of housing units.
The DPWH built access road to the housing site from the national highway and prepared engineering plans and cost estimates.
Each family is provided with a 36 square meter (sq m) lot size with a floor area of 22 sq m.
Housing units are intended for badly-hit families in high risk zones of San Roque, Sto. Niño, Cabuynan and Bislig villages.
Tanauan, a coastal town19 kilometers south of Tacloban City, is one of the areas severely hit Yolanda. At least 1,600 residents perished from the typhoon while 300 others remained missing in the town.
story by Mel Caspe
photo credit: Imelda Abano
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