Construction of homes for Marawi’s IDPs underway
The construction of 1,500 permanent homes for the internally displaced persons (IDPs) of Marawi began through a groundbreaking and capsule-laying ceremony in Dulay Proper last February 4.
Part of the shelter component of the Rebuilding Marawi Through Community-Driven Shelter and Livelihood Project of the United Nations Human Settlement Program (UN-Habitat), the project is funded by the Japanese government, with a ¥1.1 billion yen (or ₱500 million) grant.
The project pushes for shelter reconstruction, community mapping, and support in the forms of livelihood, community and development, infrastructure, cultural, and other post-conflict efforts for the rehabilitation of Marawi.
Makoto Iyori, Minister for Economic Affairs of the Embassy of Japan in the Philippines, said that they hope “to empower the IDPs to assert their rights and have a great future and provide opportunities for a brighter future.”
In addition, the Social Housing Finance Corporation (SHFC) also provided ₱248 million for the acquisition of lots where the houses will be built.
Project completion date targeted Q1 2020
Target to be completed by March 2020, the houses will be two stories high, and can accommodate up to around eight family members each.
According to UN Architect Orwell Obach, the houses will cost around ₱200,000 each, and that 800 houses will be built on 13.3 hectares in Dulay proper, and 100 in Dulay West. Five hectares are reserved to build open spaces, like roads and playgrounds.
UN-Habitat Project Manager Warren Ubongen said that the SHC is still looking for the remaining seven hectares needed to build the remaining 600 houses to meet the project’s 1,500 mark.
Annicia Villafuerte, SHFC vice president of management services department, explained that the IDPs can occupy the lands for 99 years. SHFC Strategic Communications Manager Lorie Bundoc also explains that occupants can opt to purchase the lots in order to acquire the land titles for their homes.
Marawi’s displaced populace to be prioritized
IDPs to be prioritized for the housing project will be families who can no longer return to their original homes in the most affected areas of the city, and those who originally lived about three to six meters in the easement of Lake Lanao and Agus River.
In addition, families who did not have any land or house in the Lanao province, IDPs who are willing to return to Marawi and be UN Habitat’s partner, residents who have not received any other aid for permanent shelter, those who are living below the poverty threshold, and those from the vulnerable sectors will also be accommodated.
Skilled IDPs would also be employed to help in the construction of homes. UN-Habitat has already organized 20 barangays into several homeowners associations, composing of 40 families each, in a bid to hasten the construction and implementation process.
