BACOLOD City – The City Legal Office (CLO) here has ordered the removal of a salt storage facility structure obstructing a drainage outfall in Barangay Banago, warning that failure to comply within 72 hours will result in legal action.
The directive came after an ocular inspection conducted on July 26 by the CLO’s City Enforcement Team and the City Engineer’s Office (CEO).
City Legal Officer Atty. Karol Joseph Chiu issued the abatement and demolition order, instructing the management of the facility to voluntarily dismantle the structure within three days or face legal consequences.
The structure, believed to contribute to flooding in Sta. Clara Subdivision and nearby areas, was earlier inspected by Mayor Greg Gasataya, who personally assessed its impact. The city believes that removing the obstruction will help ease flooding in low-lying zones by allowing floodwaters to flow directly to the sea.
“This demolition will be a significant step in addressing the persistent flood problems affecting nearby communities,” said Chiu.
During the inspection, company representatives reportedly committed to complying with the order. A meeting between the CLO and the company’s management is scheduled for July 28 to evaluate compliance.
The facility had built a makeshift floodwall approximately one meter long and 0.06 meters tall, intended to prevent seawater intrusion during high tide and protect the area from rising sea levels. However, city officials said its obstruction of the drainage system has exacerbated flooding in the area.
Meanwhile, in a massive community cleanup held on July 25, the city government collected about 10,955 kilos of garbage and 15 cubic meters of silt from Barangay Banago.
Banago, a coastal barangay frequently affected by flooding during the rainy season, saw participation from multiple sectors during the cleanup drive.
“This isn’t the ultimate solution, but it’s a crucial step,” Mayor Gasataya said. “We are improving water flow, but until everyone takes responsibility for proper waste disposal, our drainage systems will continue to suffer.”
Barangay Banago Captain Arnel Baldo Benjamin identified Purok Riverside as a major trouble spot, serving as a catchment for waste coming from Barangays Bata and Mandalagan.
“Even light rain causes flooding here,” he noted.
Estefania Barangay Captain Jerry Tingson also stressed the importance of environmental responsibility: “We’re doing our part. This is our response to climate change and rising water levels,” he said.
Mayor Gasataya assured that cleanup efforts in Banago will continue as part of the city’s broader flood mitigation and environmental protection campaign./PN
