The City Buildings and Architecture Office (CBAO) declared 59 structures in Camp 7 unsafe and unfit for occupancy.
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 to determine their structural stability and safety.
A consultation with the affected structure occupants, owners, and barangay officials was held April 25 followed by an ocular inspection on May 3 to 5.
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.
The 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.
Based on the inspection and assessment of CBAO, the structures are not covered by building permits, which serve as basis in verifying their 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 read.
The Department of Public Works and Highways-Baguio City District Engineering Office certified that all of the 59 structures are within the road right-of-way of Kennon Road in violation of Department Order 73, s. 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 Article 5, City Ordinance 18, s. 2016 or 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 added.
The report is now with the Anti-Squatting and Anti-Illegal Structure Committee under the City Legal Office and DPWH-BCDEO for appropriate action. – Jessa Mardy P. Samidan
