After inspecting evacuation centers for Marawi evacuees, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is now working on timely completion of site development works where the first batch of transitory houses for Marawi siege evacuees will be built.
“The area being developed by DPWH in Barangay Sagongsongan, Marawi City, can accommodate 1,100 families,” Secretary Mark Villar noted.
“Currently, we are preparing a portion of the site where the National Housing Authority (NHA) can build a total of 275 transitory houses,” said Secretary Villar.
According to the Secretary, a total of P241.69 million is allocated for the land development of Sagonsongan Village. This will cover the clearing and grubbing, fuel and model house cost amounting to P20.64 million and the asphalt overlay and drainage works within five (5) initial areas of the site costing P142.6 million and additional 4 hectares and 2 hectares sites proposed by Marawi City officials in the amount of P51.9 million and P26.5 million respectively.
“Once the sites are developed, NHA may begin the construction stage of the needed transitory shelters of Marawi siege internally-displaced persons (IDPs),” Villar noted.
Villar also vowed to provide for latrines and water supply in all the nine (9) evacuation centers for internally-displaced persons (IDPs) from the Marawi conflict.
“DPWH trucks have delivered water for the IDPs and backfilling materials to compact muddy grounds,” said Secretary Villar.
Lanao del Norte evacuation centers in Pantar; Pantao-Ragat; Beroni, Balo-i; and Barangay Landa, Balo-I have likewise received water supply, water tanks, deep well pump, insulators to cool down DSWD and DOH tents. gravel to improve pathway, roadways, and muddy ground.
DPWH is a member agency in Task Force Bangon Marawi Housing Sub-Committee, tasked to construct temporary and permanent shelters including provision of utilities. The Department also heads the Reconstruction Sub-Committee which is responsible for the reconstruction, repair, and rehabilitation of all national roads and bridges, public schools, and government buildings.
Aside from this, DPWH has conducted quick response activities in Marawi IDPs’ evacuation centers. This include distribution of relief goods and water supply, installation of latrines, improvement of deep well, pathway, roadway, and flooring. Qualified dependents of soldiers and policemen who were killed in action in the Marawi siege operation, were also employed by the DPWH.