Wider roads to be established in Duljo-Fatima

Department for the Welfare of Urban Poor (DWUP) Chief Genevieve Alcoseba shows reporters a map of the fire-stricken area in Barangay Duljo-Fatima. (CDN PHOTO/JOSE SANTINO S. BUNACHITA)

After narrow roads prevented firetrucks from getting closer to the fire site in Barangay Duljo-Fatima resulting to more damage in properties and displacing around 2,000 individuals, the Cebu City government is looking to establish wider roads in the area.

More than 500 structures were destroyed and damaged by the late night fire that hit five sitios on Thursday.

In an interview, Department for the Welfare of Urban Poor (DWUP) Chief Genevieve Alcoseba said at least eight road lots with be recovered and established to have at least 6.5 meters in width to prevent difficulties in penetrating the area in case of future incidents. Smaller alleys and interior roads will also be established.

(Read: P1.5 M worth of properties damaged by fire in Duljo-Fatima)

Alcoseba said the city will conduct clearing of the area and establish the new roads.

Based on DWUP records, the affected area is a public lot which means that the city can be allowed to make changes there.

Affected families will be allowed to rebuild their homes but are advised to wait for the city’s subdivision of the lots to know their assigned area.

She assured though that consultations will be made with the affected families.

The blaze started in Sitio Bohol, Barangay Duljo-Fatima and later spread to four other sitios — Duco, Riverside, Continental, and Plastikan –before it was put under control around 1:10 a.m. Friday, said SFO1 Edwin Handayan of Cebu City Fire Department.

The fire was put out five hours later or at 6:25 a.m.