EUGENIO LIRA JR.
Online news contributor
SURIGAO CITY: The city government is set to demolish the illegal structures along the seaside boulevard, from Pantalan 1 up to the old lighthouse in an effort to curb accidents and petty crimes.
The multi-million boulevard has been called by residents as a “death ground” due to the series of deaths involving motorcycle racing fanatics who used its lane for drag racing during wee hours in the morning.
Some stabbing incidents have also been reported to have occurred in the said boulevard caused by warring gangs and fraternities, including drunks and bystanders.
Not only this, pimps, drug pushers and vagrants loiter around the place, where shanties, makeshift videoke joints and sari-sari storeowners open shop during night time.
A notice of demolition is set to be issued next week to around 104 of its unlawful residents who have squatted along its stretch, encroaching up to the city streets. It was learned that some of these squatters are relatives of policemen and the military.
A joint taskforce formed by Mayor Alfonso Casurra composed of officials from the City Administrator’s Office, City Legal Office, City Engineering Office, City Health Office, City Planning and Development Office (CPDO) and the Surigao City Police Office (SCPO) will handle the demolition job.
Casurra said that he will build a 1.5 meter-high concrete fence traversing its boundary along the stretch of the boulevard to prevent these squatters from coming back.
A number of the said squatters, who knew of the imminent demolition, have requested the city government, through City Administrator Raymond Tiukinhoy for its deferment until after the city fiesta celebration on Sept. 10.
Some residents expressed a sigh of relief with the demolition plan, saying they welcome its change from being a hazardous place to visit into an ideal venue for promenaders, lovers and tourists who want to feel its soothing cold breeze from the seaside.