Monday, October 13, 2008 BFP chief: City needs coastal road By Grace L. Plata
BUREAU of Fire Protection (BFP) chief Wilberto Rico Neil Kwantius said last Friday's fire that rendered hundreds homeless is one instance that underlines the need for a coastal road in Davao City.
Kwantiu said the fire at Barangay Leon Garcia last Friday saw firemen having to drag their fire hoses on foot because fire trucks could not penetrate the area.
"Maliit na ang daan, nag-iisa pa. If we had a coastal road, mas madali nating naabot yung area kung saan may sunog," Kwantiu said.
Kwantiu noted that most fires in the city happen in coastal areas, which are packed with shanties.
"Twice na sa Boulevard, sa Tibungco, at diyan sa may baywalk," Kwantiu said.
Densely packed houses in areas hardly reached by fire trucks result in major disasters.
"Sana kung hindi man lang tayo magka-coastal road, before they give permits to build, authorities should make sure na masunod 'yung road right of way para mas mabilis ang ating action when it comes to fire incidents," Kwantiu said.
