CEBU, Philippines - In line with the thrust of city government to clear waterways and coastlines as a way to prevent disasters, stalls encroaching coastal areas were yesterday cleared.
Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) officers led by its chief Raquel Arce executed the demolition of at least 50 stalls used to dry fish beyond the allowed area.
“These stalls went beyond the sea walls. They were already informed that they are allowed but within the sea wall so as not to disturb the coast,†Arce said.
Before yesterday’s clearing, affected settlers were sent notice of demolition on July 24.
“We went to proper procedures. They were informed that these structures were already illegal,†Arce said.
The clearing commenced midday and ended a little past 5 p.m.
Acknowledging that the structures were encroaching on the coastline of Cebu City near South Road Properties, some owners voluntarily removed their stalls.
Sitio Bohol, barangay Duljo-Fatima was only the first part of the series of clearing operations in coastal barangays, she added.
A much bigger coastal cleanup and clearing operation will be conducted
August 6, Tuesday morning, in line with Mayor Michael Rama’s Reduce Danger Zones or ReDZ program formed after massive flooding in the city last July 20.
Two communal toilets and three shanties at barangay Mambaling Badjao community as well as remaining coastal areas in barangay Duljo-Fatima are to be cleared by PROBE and the rest of ReDZ team.
A consultative meeting with affected settlers was conducted Thursday informing them of the planned clearing next week. (FREEMAN)