Mandaue to remove 'eyesores' in preparation for Asean summit

All structures in Mandaue City considered eyesores, especially unsightly shanties along major thoroughfares will be demolished in preparation for the forthcoming 12th Association of Southeast Asian Nations summit this December.

In a meeting with Mayor Thadeo Ouano and other city officials, the Department of Public Works and Highways has identified streets and roads that need "facelifts" as well as structures to be demolished.

The DPWH in coordination with the city's engineering team identified some areas like the U.N. Avenue down to the north reclamation area, northbound roads, A. C. Cortes Avenue towards the Mandaue-Mactan Bridge, among others.

It was agreed during the meeting that all city bridges will be cleared of squatters, their shanties under these bridges removed, which according to DPWH regional director Roberto Lala pose "great danger."

"Simbako uroy inug agi sa convoy sa atong mga bisita, labayan ug bomba nga gikan sa ilalom sa bridge? (God forbid! But what if someone from under the bridge lob a bomb to the convoy of envoys?)," Lala said.

Aside from the demolition of shanties, business establishments, especially vulcanizing shops and those tire shops that have occupied already the pedestrian lanes would also be demolished.

Even owners of private buildings, whose buildings are already dilapidated, will be required to make repairs, restoration and beautification of the façade of these structures especially if these are situated where the visitors would pass by.

Between now and December, Ouano said he will be instructing the city's demolition team to tear down shanties and other eyesores in the city.

It was also recommended that the city's unsightly electric wires will be bundled and the city will have to improve on landscaping in major thoroughfares. To further beautify the city, the mayor is amenable to the idea that the city government will launch a beautification contest and give incentives to winning barangays. - Mitchelle P. Calipayan