CH defers demolition of 58 houses in Tejero

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama has approved to stay the scheduled demolition of the 58 houses along Uldarico Street in Barangay Tejero until after Sinulog.

But the members of the barangay council of Tejero are requesting Rama to defer the demolition until a relocation site is available for the affected families.

City Hall’s Squatters Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division chief Noel Artes earlier gave the 58 households 10 days from December 7 to vacate their premises. SPEED personnel were supposed to start the demolition already after the ultimatum has expired but the barangay officials interceded in behalf of the residents.

The barangay officials led by acting barangay captain Garry Lao convinced Rama to give the residents until after Sinulog.

“While the barangay support the decision of the mayor to undertake a road restoration project in Uldarico Alviola Street to improve the accessibility of the interior portion of the affected area and ensure proper passageways in case of emergency situations, but the city government must identify clearly which of these houses will be partially and to be completely demolished,” the barangay officials said.

According to the barangay officials, SPEED personnel and that of the Division for the Welfare of Urban Poor (DWUP) must conduct another follow up consultation with the affected families for a smooth project implementation.

They also reiterated their opposition to the 10-meter road expansion.

It was Rama who suggested to restore the 10-meter road to give easy access for emergency vehicles like fire trucks.– (FREEMAN)