Mayor: Widen access roads in Suba

CITY Mayor Michael Rama yesterday ordered the reblocking of fire-damaged areas of barangay Suba.

He said a three-meter easement from the road should be restored.

This was the same response made to previous fire-struck residential areas of F. Villa Street, T. Villa Street, barangay Carreta and barangay Tejero.

Reblocking involves rearranging street perimeters to provide access roads for emergencies.

The recent fire in Suba raised familiar problems—narrow roads in the interior portion, which made it difficult for firefighters to penetrate, and people crowding the street as they scampered to safety—said Senior Supt. Aderson Comar, Cebu City fire chief.

Mayor Rama noted that firemen lacked sufficient equipment to do their job. He repeated his regret that his 2011 proposed budget was slashed in half by the council, reducing proposed outlays to modernize the fire department.

Policemen in nearby precincts were ordered to help secure the area against looting.

The flames didn’t reach the adjacent barangay of Sawang Calero, but some residents, as a precaution, took shelter in a covered court in the old Pasil fish port, said barangay captain Benjamin Zabate.

Social workers started a census of fire victims and began distributing packed meals, a standard calamity response. The feeding will continue for three days.

The mayor ordered tents put up for temporary shelter with portable toilets. He also authorized use of the old Pasil fish port.