‘Clear creek in barangays Apas, Kasambagan, too’

Several barangays requested assistance from the Cebu City’s Squatter Prevention Encroachment Elimination Division (Speed) in clearing waterways.

“Many barangay captains have been asking that creeks in their area be up next for clearing after we finish clearing Mahiga Creek (in Mabolo),” said Noel Artes, Speed head.

Barangay Apas officials requested for the removal of an illegal structure built on the creek near a mall along Gov. Cuenco Avenue to maintain the three-meter easement zone, he said.

Kasambagan officials also requested for the clearing of the creek in their area.

Artes said the main stream of Mahiga Creek passes through barangays Apas, Kasambagan and Mabolo.

The creek has outlets in sitio Lahing-Lahing behind the Mabolo sports complex, sitio Frontier and near Prince Court Motel.

Speed workers tore down 39 structures along Mahiga Creek in sitio San Isidro II.

Artes said they are now going upstream.

They are just waiting for the end of the sitio back Pepsi fiesta to tear down illegal structures there.

They gave residents until tomorrow to voluntarily vacate the easement zone, where the chapel is located. Clearing operations would go upstream to sitio Magtalisay.

Artes said 120 to 170 families would be affected.

So far, Speed already cleared 63 structures along Mahiga Creek and 13 along Labangon Creek.

Artes said creeks in barangays Inayawan and Bulacao would be up for clearing and dredging as well.

Artes said 19 of 32 stalls have been built near the Bagsakan Center in the North Reclamation Area—the new vending site for 32 sitio San Isidro families who lost their livelihood from the clearing operations.

Artes said stalls measuring nine square meters would be used as food stalls and storage areas for scrap traders.

Use of the stalls would be subject to conditions set by the Market Operations Division.

Occupants would be made to pledge to use the stalls for trade and not as sleeping quarters. /Correspondent Edison A. Delos Angeles