They are willing to sacrifice in order to rebuild their homes.”
This is what barangay Luz Captain Rian Tante said after a road survey was done yesterday to prepare for road widening up to six meters in the fire-struck area for access paths big enough to let firetrucks enter.
At least 300 houses were destroyed, dislocating 546 families in the barangay Luz fire where narrow interior roads prevented firefighters from penetrating the area.
The City Hall-initiated road widening will cover sitios Abellana, Lubi, City Central, and Sto.Niño I.
“Mapahakan ang ilang original pwesto (Part of their area will be lost) but the residents who are directly affected by the road widening are willing to sacrifice when we asked them for possible setback,” Tante said.
Roads have different widths because some residents illegally extended their houses to the roads according to Tante.
Tante said the barangay also plans to have the garbage truck do the rounds everyday just to check for road access.
The proposed road widending to a width of six meters will affect residents living along the road, said Tante.
Philip Zafra, chief of staff of the Cebu city mayor, assured that city personnel will finish the road -widening “the soonest possible” before classes start in June.
The interior roads in Barrio Luz currently measure four meters “so one meter will be added on each side,” said Tante.
Tante said thee barangay is also requesting the Dept. of Education to postpone the Bridaga Eskwela or annual school cleanup done in preparation for the opening of the school year since fire victims are still staying in the Barrio Luz Elementary School as evacuation centers.
Tante said he targets next week for evacuees to move out and return to their homes or find lodging with relatives.