MMDA assures: No demolition in Vitas

03/31/2009

Metropolitan Manila Development Authority (MMDA) Chairman Bayani Fernando has assured residents of Vitas area in Tondo, Manila that no one will be displaced by the agency’s cleanup of the tenement buildings.

Fernando clarified that the agency will not be demolishing any thing but will only remove illegal structures that have cluttered and dirtied the medium-rise apartment buildings.

“This is not a demolition. We will only clean up and improve your residences and surroundings so you may live well, like you’re in a first-class condominium,” the MMDA chief told Vitas residents and barangay officials during a dialog last Sunday.

Under the “Tondominium” project, the MMDA will lead the extensive cleanup of each tenement building, with emphasis in the removal of clotheslines, animal pens, and other eyesores.

Fernando said garbage that has not been collected for weeks will be taken care of by the MMDA. Meanwhile, residents who work as scavengers may apply to the MMDA under PresidentArroyo’s Emergency Employment Program.

Fernando added the MMDA will also renovate and repaint each of the 27 tenement buildings and make the residents comply with the occupancy rules set by the National Housing Authority.

“In every community, there are rules and regulations that have to be complied with. This is for the good of everybody,” he said.

As for the sari-stores that have encroached the sidewalks, Fernando said these will be transferred in vacant lots.

Convinced of the benefits of the project, barangay leaders in Tondo have earlier expressed their support to the MMDA in the complete makeover of the Vitas residential area.

Meanwhile, some concerned employees aired their view on Fernandos’ way of renovating private residential houses saying that it is illegal and against the Commission on Audit regulation to use government funds in renovating or even painting private houses at the cost of government money.

Sources said Fernando may be committing violation in connection with the manner the MMDA funds is being used for the private properties. Pat C. Santos

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