Campaign for demolition of encroachments along national roads pursued

By Marianette Y. Gomez and Donna C. Debuton
April 16, 2015

CALBAYOG CITY – The Department of Public Works and Highways-Samar First District Engineering Office in Calbayog City strictly enforced its reacquisition of the road-right-of-way (RROW) in compliance with Department Order No. 73, series of 2014 “Prohibited Uses within the Road- Right-of-Way of National Roads”.

According to Engr. Lazana, Chief of the Maintenance Section, 6,867 structures are identified within the ten meters limit from the centerline as a result of the re-inventory undertaken of the encroachments along National Road within the coverage of the district.

The said encroachments include stalls, fences, houses, stores, walls, and boxes constructed within the RROW which obstruct the use of the roads shoulders intended for pedestrians and motorists.

To make sure for the complete removal of these obstructions, Undersecretary Raul C. Asis in memorandum dated 04 March 2015 added two categories as to the complexity of the removal in the report of inventory which is doable- for obstructions that can be removed outright and long term- for those considered as permanent structures.

Timelines in the report will guide the department in the monitoring of these structures from various district offices.