City conducts survey of river dwellers
The Iloilo City government is conducting a survey of river dwellers and other occupants of riverbanks, including owners of fishpens and fishtraps, at the Iloilo River.
The survey is spearheaded by the Iloilo River Development and Management Council in cooperation with the Department of Environment and Natural Resources, Environmental Management Bureau, and the Department of Public Works and Highways.
It will determine the encroachment and possible relocation of riverbank occupants.
Fishpens and other fishtraps were already removed from the Gaisano City mall area up to the Carpenter’s Bridge in Molo district while riverbank dwellers in San Pedro and North San Jose, Molo were already given notices for demolition and relocation.
Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog, however, said owners of fishpens from Carpenter’s Bridge up to Sooc, Arevalo were given until the end of December to remove their fish contraptions that impede river flow.
About 100 families in the Sooc area depend on fishing for livelihood, but the mayor said they will be given assistance to start other livelihood ventures.
The IRDMC will evaluate and have the final say on the proposals to establish more business establishments along the river, Mabilog said.*
