Blok Creek beautification will begin after the affected have completed rehab
The beautification of Blok Creek, which is located in Barangay Zone III of this city, is expected to begin within a month following the home rehabilitation of the affected residents who live along the riverbank of the said beck.
City Environment and Natural Resources Officer (City ENRO) Augustus Bretaña said that the city must first address the needs of the distressed residents before embarking on the waterfront development project.
Bretaña confirmed that the improvement of the Blok creek affected seven (7) families because they require a three (3) meter set-back from the watercourse. He also stated that, aside from beautifying the inlet, their safety is of the utmost importance, especially when it rains and they are forced to evacuate along the cove.
Currently, demolition is ongoing, and enhancement will take place immediately following such activity.
The long-awaited Blok Creek transformation, on the other hand, is regarded as a historic event by Mayor Eliordo Ogena, wherein they spent years negotiating with the occupants to get them to agree to the local government plan.
Furthermore, in preparation for the upgrade, the mayor promised to beautify the bayou and ensure that it does not become an eyesore for passers-by. He has also enthusiastically laid out his plans for it, including the placement of ornamental plants, lighting, and stimulation of economic activities.
The chief executive also thanked the Sangguniang Panglunsod (SP) for its assistance with the city’s programs.
Barangay Zone III officials, led by Capt. Delia Carmelo, are ecstatic about the expected change in the creek. She expressed their hope that it will promote tourism, which they have long desired.
The groundbreaking, capsule-laying, and ceremonial signing for Blok creek waterfront development was executed on March 12, 2021, attended by Mayor Ogena itself, representative from SP Koronadal, office of South Cotabato 2nd congressional district, Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) Region XII and South Cotabato district, and some city hall employees led by several department heads.