Manila to relocate 100,000 squatters from waterways

The plan is to clear six major waterways in the sprawling capital before typhoon season starts in June, while also saving the squatters from being washed away by floods, said Interior Undersecretary Francisco Fernandez.

Experts have long warned that flooding in Manila has been worsened by the squatter communities who build precarious shanties on the banks of waterways, preventing water from flowing freely and blocking drains with rubbish.

Fernandez said there were an estimated 105,000 squatter families living on the waterways of the capital. The 20,000 families — representing about 100,000 people — living in the six major waterways would be the first to be moved.

“Forced evacuations will only be taken as a last resort,” said Fernandez, whose office is in charge of informal settlers.

SHARE CLOSE
Blogger		Google+
Live Journal		Plurk
Stumble Upon

Tweet

	PREVIOUS ARTICLE
	Temporary gun ban takes effect in Philippines before local elections

NEXT ARTICLE
Myanmar chopper comes down in north battle zone

Write a Comment

Terms

Enter your comments - 3000 characters max

Type in image code

 Receive China Post promos
 Respond to this email

Submit