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Friday, March 29, 2024

Makati wrecks 282 structures encroaching on city streets

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The Makati City government has demolished 282 structures encroaching sidewalks and streets in various villages in line with its continuing clearing operations aimed to maintain its reputation as a “walkable streets” city and environmentally-progressive community in Metro Manila.

Personnel of the city’s Department of Engineering and Public Works made the demolitions upon the directive of Mayor Abigail Binay, whose main objective is to ensure the convenience and safety of both pedestrians and motorists in the community.

Binay said as early as October last year, the DEPW had issued notices of violation to concerned residents asking them to remove objects and structures extending beyond the property line.

“We have given the concerned residents more than enough time to comply with the notices of violation issued to them. We have made it clear to them that we intend to enforce the law for the common good,” said Binay.

The city chief executive also said her administration remains firm in its commitment to public welfare and safety, especially for ordinary citizens who have the right to walk on clean and unobstructed passageways.

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In his report to the Office of the Mayor, DEPW head Engr. Lauro Reyes said during the Road Right-of-Way Demarcation Project they undertook in October last year, they had identified 1,113 private properties with encroachment along sidewalks and streets in the city.

Reyes said all of the identified violators were issued an initial notice of demolition, which was followed by a final notice when they failed to comply with the former.

The concerned residents’ failure to comply with both notices has prompted the DEPW to commence the demolition of the encroachments.

In District 1, Reyes’ team has demolished 68 encroachments in Barangay Olympia; 42 in Sta Cruz; 35 in Pio del Pilar; 29 in Tejeros; 23 in Palanan; 19 in Valenzuela; 16 in Poblacion; nine in Carmona; eight in La Paz; seven, San Antonio; five, Bangkal; three, Singkamas; and one each in Kasilawan and San Isidro.

In District 2, 12 encroachments have been demolished in Barangay Guadalupe Nuevo; three in West Rembo; and one in Comembo.

The road demarcation project of Makati is pursuant to Municipal Ordinance No. 93-330 and the National Building Code.

Municipal Ordinance No. 93-330 prohibits the parking of motor vehicles and installation of business stalls or similar objects which restrict, impede or obstruct the free flow of pedestrian traffic on the sidewalks of all streets in Makati.

Under the ordinance, all business stalls and other similar objects found on or along sidewalks of all roads and streets shall be penalized. On the first offense, a notice of warning will be served to the owner/operator of the stalls to remove their stalls within two days.

On the second offense, a grace period of two days is given for the removal of the stall, after which the city government has the authority to demolish and confiscate the said stall.

Illegally parked vehicles will be subjected to towing and impounding, and will only be released to the driver, owner, or operator upon the payment of its towage fee and penalties as provided by the city traffic code.

Chapter 10, Section 1002 of the National Building Code states that no part of any structure or its appendage shall project into any alley or street, national road or public highway except as provided in this Code. 

Footings located at least 2.40 meters below grade along national roads or public highway may project not more than 300 millimeters beyond the property line.

Foundations may be permitted to encroach into public sidewalk areas to a width not exceeding 500 millimeters; provided, that the top of the said foundations is not less than 600 millimeters below the established grade.

The projection also must not obstruct any existing utility such as power, communication, gas, water, or sewer lines, unless the owner concerned shall pay the corresponding entities for the rerouting of the parts of the affected utilities.

Meanwhile, the DEPW has issued a memorandum to all owners, contractors, and implementing agencies of all on-going constructions issued with excavation permits in District 1, requiring them to assign or maintain a sufficient number of personnel during non-working hours/days, time of calamities and holidays.

Reyes said this is to ensure and maintain safety at all times in their respective job sites and to avoid any untoward incidents that may compromise the safety of Makatizens.

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