DOTr to fast-track Calumpit relocation site — Sec. Vince Dizon – The Voice Newsweekly

The Department of Transportation (DOTr) is accelerating the development of relocation sites for families impacted by the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System in Bulacan and Pampanga. This effort aims to provide new homes and community facilities for those displaced by the ongoing infrastructure project.

Relocation Efforts Underway

Transportation Secretary Vince Dizon stated the DOTr is acting on a directive from Ferdinand Marcos Jr. To expedite the construction of these sites. The focus is on delivering improved housing and recreational spaces for affected households. Currently, 3,185 individuals, representing 637 families, are set to benefit from this initiative.

Did You Know? The relocation site in Calumpit is officially named “El Nuevo De Municipio de Calumpit.”

The project in Calumpit, developed in partnership with the local government, will accommodate families from Calumpit and Malolos in Bulacan, as well as Apalit and Minalin in Pampanga. The road embankment leading to the site is complete, and construction of housing units is scheduled to begin in April, with an anticipated completion date of 2027.

Community Focused Design

The new relocation sites are designed to be more than just housing. Each site will include six four-story residential buildings, alongside community facilities such as basketball courts, parks, and playgrounds. The Calumpit local government will manage the social preparation for families preparing to move.

Expert Insight: Large-scale infrastructure projects often necessitate the relocation of communities. The proactive development of these sites, coupled with the inclusion of community facilities, suggests an attempt to mitigate the disruption and ensure a reasonable quality of life for those displaced.

Beyond Calumpit, three additional relocation sites are under development in the northern section of the NSCR. These are located in two areas of the City of San Fernando, Pampanga, and in Cutud, Angeles City. A total of 4,515 families are slated for relocation in the north, while 12,210 families will be moved in the southern segment of the railway line.

Assistant Secretary for Right of Way and Site Acquisition IC Calaguas emphasized the DOTr’s commitment to resolving right-of-way issues to keep both the relocation sites and the NSCR project on schedule. Calaguas stated that support from President Marcos Jr. And Secretary Dizon is crucial to addressing these concerns and providing suitable relocation for affected residents.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the North-South Commuter Railway (NSCR) System?

The NSCR System is a railway project impacting families in parts of Bulacan and Pampanga, requiring the development of relocation sites for those displaced.

How many families will be relocated in total?

A total of 12,210 families will be transferred in the southern segment of the railway line, and 4,515 families in the northern section, for a combined total of 16,725 families.

When is the relocation site in Calumpit expected to be completed?

Construction of housing units in Calumpit is scheduled to begin in April and is targeted for completion by 2027.

How might the successful completion of these relocation sites influence future infrastructure projects and their impact on local communities?