Orola: Settlers have constructed houses inside

By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The Bacolod City government announced illegal settlers at the Vendor’s Plaza, located across from a major shopping mall in the city, would be vacated from the facility beginning next week.

According to City Administrator John Orola, over 50 illegal settlers have already been served multiple legal notices requesting they vacate the premises.

“They have already constructed houses inside the establishment,” he explained. “Others are using the open area as a dryer.”

Orola noted, some of the homes are reportedly two-stories tall, with some being used as boarding houses.

He added the area has become very dirty and has experienced flooding during heavy rains.

The city administrator said, once cleared, the area will be closed off and renovations and repair work will be conducted. He forecasts the Vendor’s Plaza being used as a night market.

Orola also said an area will be set aside as a public utility vehicle terminal, along with accommodating for food vendors and the flower vendors who were earlier removed from the Bacolod Public Plaza./DGB, WDJ