Rama makes no promises for Ermita fire victims

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama gives no assurance that fire victims in Sitio Bato Barangay Ermita would be allowed to rebuild their houses.

Rama was hesitant to give a categorical answer when asked if the families who lost their homes in the fire last Saturday can rebuild their houses on the same location.

Rama said the matter is better left to the decision of Ermita Barangay captain Antonieto Flores, especially the reblocking issue which is opposed by the affected residents.

According to Rama, he may agree to reduce the 10 meters wide to only seven meters enough for a fire truck to pass in case of fire.

Fire fighters said that the narrow road contributed to their problems in putting off the fire immediately in Sitio Bato.

There were 239 houses razed by the fire leaving 462 families homeless. There were also 2,076 individuals affected with 100 houses slightly damaged.

Some of the fire victims are requesting the mayor to make sure that none of them will be displaced once the reblocking and widening of access road leading to their place is completed. –/FPL (FREEMAN)