Fire Victims in Cebu City Village Oppose Re-blocking of Burnt Area

Fire victims in a fire hit area in Barangay Lahug, Cebu City have opposed the city government’s plan to re-block the area to build more roads to give easy access to firetrucks during fires and other emergencies.

They supported the city’s move to clear the area from debris, but Cebu City Councilor Mary Ann delos Santos want to sit down the city’s executive department on how the re-blocking would be done.

Workers started clearing the area Monday morning.

A fire hit Sitio Avocado, Barangay Lahug, Cebu City at 6:22 p.m. on Saturday (Dec. 26), while the sub-village was celebrating the feast of the Holy Family (Jesus, Joseph and Mary) a day after Christmas.

The fire, which lasted until 12:26 a.m. Sunday, razed down a total of 81 houses and left 735 persons homeless.

Firefighters said narrow roads leading to the fire scene made it difficult for them to penetrate the area.

Acting Cebu City Mayor Edgardo Labella said the re-blocking would provide more access to the sub-village and allow firefighters easier access to the area.

Labella has assured survivors that they will not be relocated even if they don’t own the lot.

But Labella asked the affected families to be patient while the city implements the re-blocking because they will not be allowed to construct their houses until the area is ready. (PNA) LGI/EB