BY EUGENE Y.ADIONG
BACOLOD City – The barangay captain of Banago expressed concern over the fate of 80 houses if the Philippine Ports Authority (PPA) pushes through with the redevelopment of the Banago Port.
Arnel Benjamin said he wanted the Sangguniang Panlungsod to conduct a public hearing on the PPA port delineation which was earlier endorsed by the City Development Council.
“A total of 80 houses will be affected in Purok Nami-nami,” the village chief warned.
Earlier, PPA port manager Enrique Fuentebaja said they plan to widen the road leading to the port for up to four lanes.
This will enable the road to accommodate more cargo trucks when the port is already fully developed, he explained.
Fuentebaja also said it is the city government which must look after the welfare of the affected families.
He expressed willingness to appear before the Sangguniang Panlungsod to clarify the PPA plan.
Benjamin expressed anxiety.
“What will happen to the families concerned if they are displaced because of the PPA project,” he wondered.
There only means of livelihood is fishing, he added./PN
