CEBU CITY – The Cebu City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office (CCDRRMO) said Monday, Sept. 12, that at least 2,000 structures are up for demolition in this city’s massive drive to clear waterways from obstruction.
Raquel Arce, CCDRRMO head, said they are just awaiting the go-signal from the City Legal Office before they can start demolishing the identified illegal structures.
The demolition will affect at least 14,000 individuals whose dwellings stood within the three-meter easement zone in seven rivers here.
Arce said the Prevention Restoration Order Beautification Enhancement (PROBE) and Cebu City Environmental Sanitation and Enforcement Team (CESET) will team up in the clearing operation.
“We are now on a wait and see mode. We are awaiting instructions from the Legal Office. Notices have been served simultaneously and they (structure owners) were given seven days to voluntary tear down their structures,” said Arce.
Cebu City is looking to clear the Guadalupe River, Butuanon River, Lahug River, Kinalumsan River, Bulacao River, Estero Parian, and Mahiga Creek from structures that were built within the three-meter easement zone.
Arce said there is an urgent need to clear the rivers from illegal structures in response to the heavy flooding that this city experiences during heavy downpour due to clogged waterways.
Arce encouraged those who have been served with notices to voluntary tear down their structures to enable them to salvage those that can still be used.
“The city is serious in its campaign to clear our rivers from obstructions and take back the three-meter easement,” Arce said.