CBAO declares 59 unsafe structures on road-right-of-way in Camp 7
The City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) found and declared 59 structures unsafe and unfit for occupancy in Camp 7, Kennon Road.
The report is based on the verbal directive of Mayor Benjamin B. Magalong to the CBAO to conduct inspection of all structures starting within the vicinity of Lion’s Head to Camp 7 Barangay Hall as to structural stability and safety.
A consultative meeting with the affected structure occupants, owners and barangay officials was held April 25, 2023 followed by an ocular inspection on May 3 to 5, 2023.
The inspection team led by Engr. Donald Gas-ib, chief of the CBAO Investigation and Demolition Division, listed 59 structures within public land that are unsafe and unfit for occupancy.
Subject structures were made of wood, steel and GI sheets while others were built using reinforced concrete used as commercial stalls. The oldest stall was erected in 1972 and other stalls sprouted over the years.
Per inspection and assessment of CBAO, said structures were not covered by building permits which serves as basis in verifying structural integrity including the quality of materials used and construction methodology.
“Some of the structures are only anchored on the existing grouted riprap,” the report reads.
The Department of Public Works and Highways – Baguio City District Engineering Office (DPWH-BCDEO) certified that all of the 59 structures are within the road-right-of-way of Kennon Road in violation to Department Order No.73, series of 2014.
Majority of the subject structures were also situated within creek easement of Bued River, which is among the safeguarded lands in Baguio City pursuant to Section 9 of Articles 5, City Ordinance Numbered 18, series of 2016 otherwise known as the Environmental Code of the City of Baguio.
“Since easements are public land, it is a non-habitable area where construction of structures therein is absolutely prohibited and considered unsafe,” the report furthered.
The investigation report is now in the hands of the Anti-Squatting and Anti-Illegal Structure Committee (ASAISC) under the City legal office and DPWH-BCDEO for appropriate action. – JMPS
