• THERESA MAE DULMAN
The construction of the Bacolod Animal Shelter and City Dog Pound in Barangay 35 will affect 148 informal settler families currently residing on the project site.
City Engineer Loben Ceballos stated that these families will be referred to the Bacolod Housing Authority, while the City Legal Office will be responsible for issuing the necessary notices to vacate.
The development consists of three distinct projects, a P10 million City Veterinary Office and animal shelter complex, P2 million for dog cages and minor repairs, and a P1.2 million solar power system.
While a private contractor has received the notice to proceed for the main 10 million peso building, Ceballos noted that construction on that area is currently delayed by the presence of the informal settlers.
Work on the solar power installation and cage repairs may proceed in the interim.
Once completed, the new facility is expected to accommodate up to 500 dogs.*
