DWUP to reblock fire-stricken area

A no encroachment policy will be strictly implemented by the Cebu City Division for the Welfare of the Urban Poor at the fire-stricken area in Sitio Kanipaan, Barangay Sawang Calero.

DWUP operations head Genevieve Alcoseba told The FREEMAN that the city government will implement the policy to ensure an orderly rebuilding of houses.

“I-strictly implement ang no encroachment para wala gyu'y mang-encroach, og naa atong pa orderan og demolition,” she said.

She said this would help emergency responders in the future to have an easy access in the area. Alcoseba said they have noticed that most of the houses affected by the fire have encroached the right of way, making it hard for firefighters to penetrate.

“We could see a difference, lahi ra gyud areas nga sakto ang pathways, wala'y encroachment either sa ubos or sa taas. Ma-appreciate nila kung molapos ang adlaw gikan sa babaw hangtod sa pathways, ma-appreciate nila ang kalimpyo sa lugar,” she said.

Alcoseba said the affected residents will be made to sign an undertaking with the city government before they will be allowed to rebuild, stating that they agreed to the policy. Any structure violating the policy will be demolished by the personnel of Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification, Enforcement (PROBE) team.

Alcoseba said she already conducted a consultation with the affected residents last Saturday and they all agreed to it. Aside from the no encroachment policy, residents are also required to use standard electricity wirings in rebuilding their houses.

“Kung mo-apply sila og kuryente dapat standard na, part na sa compliance ipatanaw sa electrician para standard na kay aron malikayan ang faulty electrical wirings,” Alcoseba said.

Alcoseba said they will start the lot survey and subdivisions on Wednesday.

“Gitagaan og instruction kung movoluntary og hawan sila sa ilahang mga debris, atong unahon sila og sukod inig Wednesday, anam-anamon og sukod kay dili man gud dagko ang structure didto unya mga first floor ra kasagaran,” she said.

After the DWUP technical team shall have measured and subdivided the area, the affected residents can already start rebuilding their houses. The Department of Social Welfare and Services will be distributing 10 sheets of plywood and another 10 pieces of galvanized iron to each of the affected families.

Aside from the housing materials, the city government is also giving P20,000 financial assistance per household. A massive fire hit Sitio Kanipaan, Barangay Sawang Calero Friday last week. At least 115 houses were razed by fire leaving at least 319 families homeless.

The fire victims are temporarily sheltered at the barangay sports complex and evacuation center.