PERSONNEL from the Prevention, Restoration, Order, Beautification and Enhancement (Probe) have completely cleared the 52 structures, which were built immediately after a fire hit Sitio Warwick Barracks, Barangay Ermita, Cebu City last Jan. 11.
Probe Chief Raquel Arce said the City did not allow the reconstruction of structures because the government has plans of developing the area.
Mayor Michael Rama earlier assured the affected vendors that they will not be displaced.
The City Government has designated the Freedom Park as temporary vending area, while tents were set up near the viaduct of the South Road Properties to serve as temporary shelter for the displaced families.
The City will also construct standardized stalls for the vendors at the Freedom Park and on El Filibusterismo St.
El Filibusterismo St., which is located between Freedom Park and Warwick Barracks, will be closed while another diversion road will be constructed at the back of the Warwick Barracks.
The City is expected to start the construction of stalls on Monday within the perimeter of the fire scene.
“We are only waiting for the supplies to arrive, and immediately, we will start the construction,” Arce told reporters.
A total of 78 stalls will be built, 54 of which on El Filibusterismo St. while the remaining 24 stalls are at the Freedom Park.
City has charged to calamity fund the budget intended for the construction of the stalls.
Arce said the Cebu City Government plans to create a new market at the Warwick Barracks where an estimated 300 vendors will be accommodated.
As the development inside the Warwick Barracks has yet to start, the City plans to utilize the area as a car park for the moment.
Earlier, some affected vendors in the area tried to block the fencing initiated by the City, but Rama intervened and assured them that they will not be displaced.
Arce said City will extend P5,000 to P10,000 assistance to the affected families who will cooperate and heed with the City’s move.
“Failure to cooperate means no assistance from the City,” Arce added.