KALIBO, Aklan – Several government agencies have expressed concern over the increasing number of residents putting up their structures along Aklan River.
According to the study made by a Japanese firm, the residents along the Aklan River, especially those residing below the century-old Kalibo Bridge, disrupt the waterway of the river and in turn destroy the environmental structure of the river.
Vice Gov. Gabrielle Calizo said the study tasked the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) to clear the area, in cooperation with the local government of Kalibo.
However, no eviction has been made in the area.
DPWH officials said they still need to undertake a study to find out who among the residents are registered landowners.
The residents in the river banks aside from facing the threat of flooding during typhoons and sea level rise are also prone to several calamities such as fire, tornado and earthquake.
A fire near the area recently destroyed 400 houses with estimated P10 million worth of damages.
Pepito Ruiz, assistant chair of the Provincial Disaster and Coordinating Council, said the government is not remiss in reminding the community leaders to cooperate in mitigating disaster in the area.
“But even their local leaders could not control the increasing number of residents who put up additional structures in the area, thus, increasing the risk of environment disaster,” Ruiz said.