Dumaguete City Mayor Manuel Sagarbarria said yesterday he was assured by the National Housing Authority in Manila of full payment for the land in Brgy. Banilad where the low-cost housing units for victims of tropical storm “Sendong” will be built.

Sagarbarria said compliance to the requirements is being fast-tracked so construction can start immediately so that before the year ends, or on Christmas, flood victims will have decent homes.

The NHA had paid P6 million to the family of lot owner Soledad Tale, representing 30 percent as advanced payment for the 3.7-hectare lot where 397 houses will be constructed.

Sagarbarria said the NHA is responsible for the acquisition of the lot and shares in the construction of the houses. He, however, admitted that funding remains the biggest problem for the housing program of the city.

Sagarbarria said the city is eyeing the purchase of additional lots for the housing units donated by San Miguel Corporation through the Gawad Kalinga.

SMB director Margarito Teves had earlier said that 250 units had been committed by the company for Dumaguete, and it is now waiting for the city to provide the counterpart lot.*JG

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