By ARGYLL GEDUCOS
Two months following the liberation of Marawi from Maute terrorists, 500 transitory shelters have been built in Barangay Sagonsongan to accommodate residents displaced by the war, according to Presidential spokesman Harry Roque.
President Duterte was supposed to lead the turnover ceremony yesterday, but his trip was cancelled due to inclement weather, said Marawi City Mayor Majul Gandamra.
While the reconstruction efforts are underway, Roque said the displaced victims will be housed in temporary housing units which will have electric and water supply.
“Nagsimula na pong bumangon ang Marawi dahil ito po ang kauna-unahang housing shelters na ililipat, na ibibigay sa mga naging biktima ng digmaan dito sa Marawi,” said Roque during a press briefing in Marawi.
However, according to Task Force Bangon Marawi (TFBM) and Housing and Urban Development Coordinating Council (HUDCC) chair Eduardo del Rosario, only the first 250 units will be up for occupancy before the New Year while the remaining half will be occupied by January 7, 2018.
Del Rosario said this is because they still have to connect the remaining half of the units to the main power and water lines.
“The first 250 temporary shelters will be occupied before the New Year, the rest will be occupied before Jan. 7. The reason is ‘yun pong bahay kumpleto na pero ‘yung kuryente at tubig iko-connect pa sa main line. That’s why we’re delaying the occupancy,” he said.
“Our target is to distribute 1,170 housing units in Marawi not later than February,” he added.
Aside from the 500 units of temporary housing, Roque said that another 300 units were already turned over by the Philippine Amusement and Gaming Corporation (PAGCOR).
Gandamra said that at least 90,000 individuals have already returned to their homes after the Armed Forces (AFP) cleared 27 barangays.
He said the returnees did not totally lose their homes as their villages were largely untouched by the war.
Gandanmra also noted that efforts or ongoing to fully restore the electricity and water supply in the war-torn city.
Meanwhile, AFP chief-of-staff General Rey Guerrero assured that military troops will remain in Marawi to ensure the security and safety in the city during the rehabilitation period.