PROBE to clear Salinas Drive sidewalk today of illegal structures

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government is scheduled to demolish today the illegal structures on the pedestrian lane from the flyover at the Archbishop Reyes Avenue to IT Park in Barangay Lahug.

Members of the City Hall’s Prevention Restoration Order and Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) were ordered to restore the sidewalk along Salinas Drive following several complaints from the public.

PROBE chief Raquel Arce visited the place yesterday to warn those who are making business on the sidewalk to stop their illegal activities otherwise their wares would be confiscated in today.

Arce said her office received several complaints from the public because they could no longer use the sidewalk. Aside from the pedestrians, motorists are also complaining because the people are already occupying part of the road which exposed them to possible accident.

Mayor Michael Rama said he will not stop the City Hall clearing team from restoring the sidewalk in the area. Aside from the city government, the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) is also scheduled to widen the road which stands to affect more than a dozen families living in that area.

The DPWH already issued notices to owners of structures along Salinas Drive of the government plan. DPWH Cebu City District Engineer Nicomedes Leonor said he had issued notice of violation against the residents. The notice was addressed to Portia Baquita, the acknowledged leader of the residents in that area.

Leonor said the residents have violated the provisions of the National Building Code for encroaching on the areas intended for sidewalks.

Baquita had asked Cebu City Councilor Alvin Dizon to help them but they were referred back to DPWH.  (FREEMAN)