Some flood-prone cemeteries in the city cannot be fully rehabilitated due to lack of proof of ownership, the City Economic Enterprises (CEE) said.
According to Maribeth Lumactod, CEE head, the public cemeteries in Ma-a and Panacan were eyed as cemeteries in radical need of rehabilitation with All Soul’s Day and All Saint’s day already approaching.
“These flood-prone cemeteries have an issue regarding their proof of ownership. We cannot have any rehabilitation in our public cemeteries because of that issue,” she said.
She added that the majority of the 10 cemeteries in the city including Ma-a and Panacan, which are owned by the city government are in need of constant rehabilitation.
“We have 10 cemeteries, but among them Ma-a and Panacan were the most flooded areas,” she said.
Ma-a and Panacan cemeteries were using a submersible pump to remove stored water caused by the flood. But even if we do this every night, areas will be flooded once the rain will pour again.
She also said the city government is figuring out solutions to address this problem.
Lumactod also said that despite persistent flooding in the city, they do not see any possible health risks brought by flooding in the city.
“The niches are cemented, so it does not impose any health risk,” she said.
CEE is also in coordination with the City Health Office for assistance regarding health matters.
Meanwhile, Lumactod said that their team is rounding up all 10 cemeteries in the city.
“Now we are preparing our cemeteries. Fences in the cemeteries were repainted, we also posted notices on the do’s and don’ts and the needed and not needed items inside the cemeteries,” she said.
Notices were not only posted in the private and public cemeteries in the city, but also in barangay halls and public markets where CEE coordinated with the barangay captains for such operation.
Lumactod added that at least two sets of portalets, or those mobile toilet that may easily be moved around, were placed in each cemeteries in the city.
CEE also coordinated with Davao City Water District for the water supply.
Cemeteries are also illuminated already as the Davao Light and Power Company (DLPC) installed streetlights two years ago within areas in the cemeteries.
She also said also coordinated with the Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) under PSSCC head Angel Sumagaysay for security measures during the All Saint’s and All Soul’s day.
