Construction of building in Mabolo suspended

CEBU, Philippines - The city government has suspended the construction of a seven-storey building along Cabahug Street in Barangay Mabolo because of the alleged failure of the contractor to meet safety standards and address the problem of drainage.

Engineer Josefina Ylanan, the city’s building official, told The Freeman that she ordered a notice to stop the construction until such time that the contractor, Engr. Benito Avancenia of Bia Buzz Construction General Services, will have measures in place that would ensure the safety of the residents near the site.

Ylanan said she sent her team to inspect the construction after a certain Emilio Luga Jr. complained that the building constructed near his house allegedly violated the National Building Code. Luga sent the complaint to OBO in behalf of the Casals Village Homeowners Association.

The building being constructed is located right beside the village and, incidentally, right beside Luga’s house. He said not enough safety nets were used to catch falling debris. In fact, a metal pipe that fell from the building landed on the roof of Luga’s house.

“Luckily it landed flat on the roof otherwise if it landed with its end, it could have penetrated the roof, ceiling down to my bed in the room below it,” Luga said.

He also pointed out the absence of a drainage canal at the construction site. He said the lack thereof can easily cause flooding in the area. OBO confirmed the report during inspection.

“We gave them notice of violation. There were construction practices that were not properly followed,” Ylanan said. She said the issuance of a cease and desist order was valid because of the complaint, which they have verified.

“The complaint was very valid. The contractor must adhere to the good practices of the construction,” she said.

Aside from the complaint with OBO, Luga also filed a separate complaint before the barangay for the contractor’s alleged failure to heed the provisions of the Cebu City Anti-Noise Ordinance.  (FREEMAN)