PAGE THREE

Ensure complete amenities in relocation sites – Tulfo

Lade Jean Kabagani

Senator Raffy Tulfo stressed that the government should execute a clear and secured plan for the relocation of informal settler families as he expressed concerns over the lack of basic amenities and access to mass transportation in various resettlement sites.

Tulfo said he has been receiving reports that the relocated families are complaining about a lack of water and power supplies within the resettlement compound, adding that the families are also grumbling about broken sewage systems, dilapidated walls and water-leaking roofs with mosquito all around the place.

Meanwhile, Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development Undersecretary Avelino Tolentino III said they will look into the complaints and will review the situations on the existing relocation sites.

Tolentino said the DHSUD has committed to making sure that lacking public utility services and the other immediate needs of occupants in the sites will be provided.

Tulfo, on the other hand, suggested the use of the national identification system to "easily" determine the informal settlers from the professional squatters that are taking advantage of the government's housing program.