Part of fence falls in Naga City

MORE than 100 families of barangay South Poblacion, Naga City, southern Cebu,  asked for a halt in the construction of a fence in sitio Kintolimbao after part of it collapsed last Tuesday.

No one was injured but the collapse terrified the residents living near the construction site.

Ricor Equities Corp. owns the eight-hectare lot while Seehok Construction is undertaking the fencing and reclamation project for a grains milling plant.

The fence that collapsed was about four meters wide and 10 feet tall.  “The fence was not strong. I fear for the safety of my kids who usually play near the area,” said Marites Montebon, a mother of two.

Another resident, Quinciana Rivera, was near the area when the fence collapsed.  “I was resting when I saw four blocks of that fence collapsed. I was so scared. It was like an earthquake,” she said.

Rivera said  the rest of the fence tilted after the incident.

Naga City Building Officer engineer Arthur Villamor said  they found out that the contractor didn’t follow the approved plan for the project when they inspected the site.

Villamor said a senior engineer is drafting the stoppage order for the construction of the fence. He said the contractor will be asked to explain why they  shouldn’t  issue a demolition order.

Naga City Mayor Valdemar Chiong said  he will require the developer to implement the corrective measures for the safety of the residents near the site.

Villamor, however, pointed out that the company complied with requirements and secured complete permits.

“In fairness to the company, they have complete permits and requirements. They have a good track record. It is the contractor that will have to explain about what happened,” Villamor said.

Cebu Daily News tried to get the side of the engineers in the construction site but they refused to comment on the matter.

Villamor said his office has yet to release the fencing permit for the construction because of issues on  boundaries.

But they assured they will clear the area of the collapsed fence.  The residents also complained that their road-right-of-way is narrow.

“That is too narrow for a right of way of more than 100 families living in the area. A vehicle cannot even pass through it. What if there are emergencies? How can an ambulance get through or fire trucks?” said resident Al Gabriel.

Residents also requested for a proper drainage system as the water gets stuck when it rains and it would take several days for it to drain.

Villamor said the road-right-of-way and drainage system problems would be resolved after the boundaries for the building of a fence are clarified. Correspondents Carine M. Asutilla and Jessa Chrisna Marie J. Agua