THE local government unit (LGU) of Mansantol has started the demolition of houses situated along the Pampanga river to give way for the implementation of Integrated Disaster Risk Reduction and Climate Change Adaptation (IDRRCCA).
Mayor Danilo Guintu said nearly 100 houses located in Barangays Sto. Niño, Sta. Lucia Matua, Paguiaba, Bebe Anac and Sta. Lucia Matua are being demolished by the local government since the start of the month.
But prior to the demolition, Guintu said the residents were already moved to brand new houses at the Golden Residences relocation site in Barangay San Nicolas.
"We've built the relocation site as early as 2018 and moved the beneficiaries starting early this year so Hanjin company can smoothly implement the flood-control project," he said.
The mayor said sheet piling will be conducted along the cleared riverbank to protect the area from collapsing during the onslaught of typhoons and heavy rains.
He also disclosed his plan of constructing a boardwalk along the riverbank to showcase the beauty of Pampanga River.
"It will also be a venue of various recreational activities of Masantoleños and even tourists who want to relax and enjoy nature," he said.
Once completed, Guintu said the perrenial flooding in the municipality be solved and tourism activity is also expected to flourish.
