AROUND 130 illegal structures atop the dike along the Davao River have been dismantled in the clearing operations conducted by Davao City Public Safety and Security Command Center (PSSCC) in Barangay 76-A, Bucana.
PSSCC head Angel Sumagaysay said the clearing operation was conducted on Saturday, April 24, after authorities have spotted several structures that were illegally constructed by residents atop the river dike, such as extensions of their homes like kitchen, comfort room, living area, among others.
Sumagaysay said there is a need to dismantle the structures to maintain the structural integrity of the river dikes, particularly along the Davao River.
“Kinahanglan nato siya i-dismantle because we have to protect our dikes. We should maintain the integrity of the dikes kay kung patungan ni sya, naa ni tendency nga masira (We have to dismantle it because we have to protect our dikes. We should maintain the integrity of the dikes because if we put structures on top of it, the tendency is that it will be damaged),” Sumagaysay said.
He added that it would also mean protecting riverside residents, especially during the rainy season.
“Magiging safe ang mga tao in case naay overflowing of water ilabina during rainy season. Kung naay pagbaha, unang maapektohan ana ang mga naa sa dikes (It is for the safety of our people in case there is an overflowing of water, especially during the rainy season. If there is flooding, the first that will be affected are the people residing along the dikes),” Sumagaysay said.
He said the residents have been cooperating well in the City’s clearing operation. The PSSCC’s Davao River Patrol Group has also distributed food packs from the City Mayor’s Office to the residents who have voluntarily submitted their houses for self-demolition.
Aside from Barangay 76-A, the PSSCC has also conducted clearing operations in Talomo, Toril, Bunawan and Panacan areas whose dwellings and extensions are constructed on top of creeks and dikes.
Sumagaysay has reminded riverside residents that it is illegal to build houses on river dikes and advised them to voluntarily dismantle their structures ahead of tagging them for possible violations.
“Ang dike is for the river, hindi sya pwede puy-an ug magtukod og istrukura (The dike is for the river, it is not a place where people live and build structures on top of it),” the official said.
He also called the attention of other barangay officials whose residents are living near riverbanks to encourage them to voluntarily demolish the illegal structures and transfer to safer areas.
On October 25, a total of 26 informal settlers in Purok 34, Taal in Bangkal heeded the call of the Davao City Government to voluntarily demolish their structures built on the Talomo River embankment, mostly extensions of their houses.
Sumagaysay said the City is now also planning to designate security posts along the city's coastal roads to ensure no illegal residential structures will be mounted nearby.