50 houses constructed near river to be removed

AROUND 50 houses in a private subdivision situated along the Butuanon River may soon be destroyed as the Cebu City Government is ramping up its clearing operations along major waterways as part of its river-improvement efforts and flood-control projects.

Personnel from the Office of the Building Official (OBO) conducted an ocular inspection in a subdivision in Barangay Pit-os on Wednesday, Aug. 17, 2022, to check the integrity of houses and other structures reported to be affected by the swelling of the river due to the intermittent weather in the past few days.

OBO head Architect Florante Catalan said 52 houses located in one subdivision have illegally encroached on the three-meter river easement, and based on their assessment seven houses are no longer safe for occupancy due to cracks and gaps found in the structures.

Catalan added that they will invite the developer of the subdivision to explain why it allowed the construction of houses within the river’s three-meter easemen.

Findings

According to Catalan, the city government issued a building permit to the developer in 2011 and an occupancy permit in 2012. However, Catalan said there was no record found indicating an issuance of a fencing permit for the subdivision’s fence.

Catalan further said they have noticed that residents have built extensions in their houses which were not included in the original plan as stated in the approved building permit.

Aside from causing the river to overflow, the additional structures could also be the cause of the collapse of the river’s riprap, he added.

City Councilor Jerry Guardo, chairman of the committee on infrastructure, said the subdivision should have a total of a five-meter easement since it was constructed beside the river. Once the easement is recovered, the Department of Public Works and Highways’ flood control projects will then follow, he added.

The councilor further said they will sit down with the developers to discuss the possible relocation sites for the affected homeowners.

Guardo said it is the obligation of the developers to provide compensation to the residents but the City Government will look at what kind of aid can be extended to the families who will be displaced.

Mayor Michael Rama has already said private structures will not be spared in the City’s river improvement efforts.