ACTING-Mayor Mayor Belen Fernandez requested the Philippine Red Cross (PRC) to build housing units for families of scavengers living in the city’s garbage dumpsite in Bonuan as well in addition to its other identified beneficiaries.

Fernandez visited the dumpsite on Wednesday and was appalled when she saw about 20 families, who subsist from scavenging garbage at the site, living in cramped makeshift abodes.

The families have been residing there for several years now.

Fernandez said she initially put forward the request to PRC Chapter Administrator Florame Magalong but she also intends to see PRC Chairman Richard Gordon.

“I know that the PRC has a housing project for families living in endangered zones such as those along banks of rivers and seashores, but I think those living in the dumpsite ought to benefit too because they are exposed to even greater risks,” she said.

“These families are in great risks rain or no rain,” she added, noting that during a storm surge from the Lingayen Gulf, the families in the makeshift houses usually run for cover at the adjacent Bonuan Public Cemetery.

There is also no source of potable water in the area and the families fetch their supply from the Bonuan Boquig Elementary School that is about two kilometers away.

Fernandez said the long-term goal should be to relocate the families in an area with more suitable living conditions.

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