Citom goes after illegal constructions

TRAFFIC authorities in Cebu City stopped the construction of a restaurant in Juana Osmeña Street yesterday morning.

Personnel of the Cebu City Integrated Traffic Operation Management (Citom) found out that the construction doesn’t have a building permit and was being built on an area for road expansion.

Citom chairman Jack Jakosalem said the city government originally had a road expansion plan for the street to mitigate heavy traffic.

However, after the demolition of the car shop, which used to be located in the area, the construction of the restaurant quickly followed.

He said they will also conduct inspections in other construction sites after receiving reports that many don’t have the necessary permits for construction.

Jakosalem also said that these illegal sites contribute to the worsening problem of traffic and it jeopardizes the safety of the pedestrians.

“There are constructions that don’t have sidewalk permits, but they start work anyaway, forcing people to walk on the streets,” Jakosalem said.

“We need the help of the public. They should report illegal structures, especially those that affect vehicular and pedestrian traffic,” he added.