Tabac airs public concerns over construction work in Brgy 26

The embankment activity in Barangay 26 has drawn strong opposition from residents due to environmental and public health risks, said Councilor Marlo Tabac in his special report, Monday.

According to Tabac, the ongoing construction work has resulted in excessive noise, dust, and other environmental disturbances that have posed health and sanitation risks among residents and have disrupted daily life of the nearby areas.

Compounding this is the unauthorized dumping of soil and rocks, which allegedly caused the blockage of comfort room facilities and disrupted the channels of the drainage system.

Another establishment was also reported to have constructed a parking lot that blocked existing drainage line and accumulated stagnant water near the Barangay Health Center. This, the residents warned, could become breeding grounds for mosquito-borne diseases like dengue.

Tabac explained that none of these would have happened if not for the implementation of the Ease of Doing Business Ordinance (EODB), which he believes has resulted in a very loose regulation of the issuances of permits and clearances.

Before the policy was enacted five years ago, the barangays were able to strictly review the compliance of business entities before they are allowed to commence any such construction-related activities.

At present, however, businesses could go directly to the city one-stop-shop to ask for documentary requirements without seeking clearance from the barangay, Tabac noted.

With this, he called on the committees on public works and barangay affairs to immediately convene to address the situation. (FDC/SP)