Mabilog orders removal of illegal structures
Iloilo City Mayor Jed Patrick Mabilog has instructed the Task Force Asis headed by Engr. Bobby Dumanil to dismantle the illegal structures that have sprouted along the city’s major thoroughfares.
These unauthorized structures, which cause traffic congestion, are mostly located in Diversion Road and downtown streets like Ledesma, Valeria, Arroyo and Delgado, and in Rizal street in La Paz district.
The Task Force is incharge of implementing the demolition after notices are issued to the owners, which are usually sidewalk vendors.
Mabilog said the illegal structures are made of mixed materials and are mostly dilapidated that these can possibly harm people passing the main streets.
“We don’t want somebody to get hurt before taking action,” the mayor said.
He said the City Hall will mobilize 10 traffic officers and auxiliaries to assist the demolition team.
Mabilog said the demolition aims to regulate the number of sidewalk vendors and help them look for a place where they could sell their wares without hampering traffic flow.
He acknowledged that street vendors are also working to support their families but they should also be regulated.
Street vendors and stalls along the main streets and the central business area impede pedestrian movement especially during rush hours, he said, adding that they are also an eyesore in the central business district.
ORDINANCE
The Task Force already arrested several violators who have been fined for P1,000.
Those who could not afford to pay the fine could be imprisoned up to six months.
City Ordinance No. 14-1990 provides that sidewalks, plazas and public places are public properties and to be used solely for passage and public use and should be free of access to the public.
It also states that it is prohibited to use or to construct any structure, stalls or kiosks on the city sidewalks, public places or plazas for business or commercial purposes except during fiesta celebrations, agricultural and industrial fairs or expositions wherein such use is allowed only upon the approval of the City Council through a resolution.
