REBLOCKING underway in fire-hit Quiot sitios
A reblocking will be implemented by the Cebu City Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor at the fire-stricken sitios in Barangay Quiot despite a property dispute between the homeowners and the private lot owner.
Genevieve Alcoseba, DWUP operations head, said the technical team tasked to assess the situation has recommended the reblocking.
“If we are not proactive with our actions sa ground, still ma defeated ang purpose, after ten or five years the same issue will arise kay wala na-work out ba. Since naa ta’y opportunity to reblock then we will do it,” Alcoseba said.
Alcoseba said the private lot owner and homeowners have agreed initially to the reblocking. She said that the narrow access makes difficult for emergency responders to penetrate during emergency situation like fire.
“Sa urban poor areas, dili ka respond appropriately sa areas because of the absence sa kining proper road-right-of-way, unya daghan obstruction. Mao na ang rason maong daghan nasunog kay tungod ana, as what you have observed sa Pasil, kung passable 10 or 20 ra ang masunog unta,” she said.
A huge fire hit Sitios Beltran and Yati in Quiot on February 20 leaving at least 80 families homeless.
“Dapat gyud, nakita nako karon nga it needs political will nga kasabot ko ni mayor nganong mag-istrikto gyud. If ako dili mobarog unsa ang sakto, things will not really work the way we want it to be,” Alcoseba said.
Last night, DWUP held a consultation with the affected residents to hear their sentiments on the proposed reblocking. She said few days from now, the technical team will start reblocking the affected area. The affected residents are temporarily sheltered at the barangay sports center.