SP not keen on placing city in ‘state of imminent danger’
Sangguniang Panglungsod will still find out if there is basis for Iloilo City to be declared under the state of imminent danger of a calamity.
The committee on social services and disaster relief chaired by City Councilor Jeffrey Ganzon will meet today to discuss matters relative to the recommendation of the Iloilo City Disaster Coordinating Council (IDCC) to declare a state of imminent danger as a result of the onslaught of El Niño phenomenon.
Ganzon will meet at 2 p.m. today Engr. Jose Papa, ICDCC, members of his committee and other stakeholders that called for the declaration of the city under the state of imminent danger.
The proponent said the water shortage will cause disease outbreaks because of the onslaught of the dry spell. The same declaration would provide support for relief, rehabilitation, reconstruction and other works and services to possible victims of the perceived calamity.
The recommendation declaring the city under a state of imminent danger stemmed amidst the growing concern on the water shortage. Once approved by the council, the city government is allowed to spend five percent of its calamity fund.
The same declaration is the city’s preparation should the water shortage worsen. The Metro Iloilo Water District (MIWD) has already started their water rationing.
Critics of the present administration see the declaration as another opportunity for the mayor to use the funds for his political purposes and gains.
If approved, portions of the calamity fund would be spent for the procurement of water tanks and gasoline.
