Gov’t to clear illegal structures in North Reclamation Area

CEBU, Philippines - The Cebu City government will push through with the clearing of illegal structures at a lot in the North Reclamation Area.

Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor (DWUP) chief lawyer Collin Rossell said that the 200-square meter lot No. 44 in Block 15 is a road lot, thus, this shouldn’t be used as residence.

Rossell, who was invited to an executive session yesterday, told the council that the city has also provided relocation sites to the 37 families who are illegally occupying and “renting out” the structures in the lot.

“Of the 37 families, duha lang ang interesado sa relocation site kay the rest, gihimo na’ng business ang lot. Nagpa-rent sila. Nahimo nila’ng potential customer ang mga tawo coming from other places gikan sa pier,” disclosed Rossell. He said that these structures look like container vans designed as houses.

Sponsored by Councilor Sisinio Andales, the DWUP chief was made to appear before the council yesterday to discuss about the planned clearing operation.

Rossell said the city has long provided the relocation site in La Guerta, Lahug and they even facilitated in transferring the families there.

However, they have learned that these families go back to Lot. No. 44 to either reside or check on their businesses. He added that they confirmed it after checking the area recently.

Tracing their origin, Rossell said that these families were from J.C. De Vera Street. They encroached a lot near Lot No. 44, where a native restaurant once stood, but its owner paid and ordered them to vacate the area since the lot has been sold to a private company.

“For relocation gyud unta na sila, but they managed to stay in the road,” said Rossell.

The DWUP chief said they will push through with the clearing operation and will transfer the residents back to the relocation site.

He said it is now up to the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement team to demolish the structures. — (FREEMAN)