More than a year after Yolanda: Home sweet home?

Yolanda survivors transferred to a government resettlement project in Barangay Cabalawan, Tacloban, complain of poor quality houses

TACLOBAN CITY, Philippines – Leaking roofs, poor quality jalousies, and substandard hollow blocks.

These were allegedly used for the construction of housing units, according to the 16 families transferred to a permanent resettlement site in Barangay Cabalawan, Tacloban, in December 2014, a year after Super Typhoon Yolanda (Haiyan).

Aside from housing problems, the families also complained of roads built at a higher level than houses. (READ: 1 year after Yolanda)

The resettlement project, known as Ridge View Park, was initiated by the National Housing Authority (NHA).

The families were relocated from Barangay 88, the hardest hit village in Tacloban, after their houses were totally washed out by Yolanda in November 2014.

Home?

The resettlement project plans to build around 2,000 housing units. Only 16 families, however, have been transferred to the area since December 16, 2014.

Norlyn Luana, a 28-year-old mother of 3, complained of jalousies which broke easily.

Meanwhile, Liza Badilla, a 32-year-old mother of two, said that although her family feels secure now that they live in their newly-built home, its construction quality is problematic. Whenever it rains, the roof leaks. Their home’s wooden door was also damaged and was only repaired by her husband.

Another resident, 50-year-old Letecia Sablamante, complained of the subdivision’s lack of potable water and electricity. She added that the area is over 10 kilometers away from their workplaces and the school, which are all located at the center of the city. (READ: Hungry homes in resettlement areas)

In response to the families’ complaints, City Information Officer Bernardita Valenzuela assured them, during an ocular inspection, that all concerns will be relayed to the NHA and the contractors.

The local government of Tacloban hopes to address such issues as soon as possible, Valenzuela added.

Tacloban City’s committees on infrastructure, housing, and urban development have also looked into the problems. The complaints were also referred to the Regional Development Council. – Rappler.com