Cebu City readies bidding process for 400 transitional housing units

Local

The Cebu City Government is set to start the bidding process for the 400 transitional housing units so it could provide temporary shelter for those displaced by the city’s clearing operations along its rivers.

The bidding process, which will start within this month, is part of the Task Force Gubat sa Baha initiative aimed at reducing the city’s flooding problems by reclaiming the three-meter easement along key waterways.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Raymond Alvin Garcia stressed the urgency of these transitional homes during his press conference on Monday, August 20, particularly for those affected by the ongoing clearings.

Each transitional unit will cover about 15 square meters, featuring two rooms with double-deck beds, a bathroom, a small sink, and a combined living and dining area.

The design includes solar panels, reflecting the city’s commitment to sustainability. The city has set aside P600 million for the project, approved by the City Council, though this budget may still change before the bidding starts.

The city is considering two locations for these housing units, which are South Road Properties (SRP) and Block 27 in the North Reclamation Area. These sites were selected for their accessibility to essential services, ensuring displaced families receive the necessary support during this transition.

While these transitional homes are a temporary measure, the city is also working on permanent housing options. One such project is the construction of medium-rise buildings (MRBs) in Barangay Lorega San Miguel.

However, this project has faced delays due to issues with the initial contractor. The contract was terminated, and the project, which is only 48 percent complete, is on hold pending a resolution with the previous contractor.

Garcia highlighted the need to resolve these issues quickly to proceed with the rebidding and ensure the MRBs are completed on time.

The MRBs are part of the 4PH (Pambansang Pabahay Para sa Pilipino) program, which aims to provide permanent homes for displaced residents.

The city government will provide the land, while a private developer will handle the construction. Beneficiaries will be selected by the city, with the developer recouping costs through PAG-IBIG Fund collections, ensuring no additional costs for the city government.

The MRB project in Barangay Lorega San Miguel is especially important given the city’s housing shortage. The project includes two MRBs on a 1,350-square-meter city-owned property.

While one building, developed by Cebu Landmasters Inc., is complete and fully occupied, the second remains unfinished, leaving many families without permanent homes.

Garcia reiterated the city’s commitment to completing the MRB project, which will not only address the housing needs but also allow the current transitional housing areas to be converted into community facilities.(MyTVCebu)