DAVAO CITY—Mayor Sara Duterte said demolition operations in danger zones across the city will continue to ensure the safety of the people, especially those living under bridges.
The city government earlier gave a reprieve to residents of Barangay 40-D who promised to voluntarily demolish their shanties and save their belongings in the process before the city implements the demolition.
“We gave them until the first week of January for voluntary demolition. Beyond the deadline, the City Engineer’s Office will decide the date for the demolition. Only those who voluntarily demolished their structures will receive financial assistance from the city government,” Duterte said.
Each family will receive P20,000 in financial assistance coming from the city government which they can use to pay for rent or to purchase materials for the construction of their new houses in areas outside of identified danger zones.
Duterte said the city government earlier conducted an earthquake simulation in Bolton Bridge.
“We conducted the simulation last year but we temporarily delayed the demolition operation. After the demolition in Barangay 40-D, the Bankerohan area will follow,” she said.
The two areas were heavily affected by the floods brought by Typhoon “Vinta” in December.