FLI assures cooperation on wall collapse issue

CEBU, Philippines - The developer of a joint venture project with the Provincial Government whose retaining wall recently collapsed assured the public that the general contractor is cooperating with affected residents and Apas barangay officials.

In a statement, Filinvest Land Incorporated (FLI) said they have given instructions Megawide Construction Corporation, the general contractor for the business process outsourcing complex at the former location of Bagong Buhay Rehabilitation Center (BBRC) right beside Asiatown IT Park, another BPO hub.

“Megawide assures Filinvest and the public that it is in constant touch with the barangay officials and the affected residents.  Since the incident, Megawide has been consistently providing all necessary assistance including hotel or boarding house accommodation and monetary allowances.  Megawide has also offered to rebuild the damaged structures and increase their stability,” the FLI statement said.

A cease and desist order was issued Tuesday by the Office of the Building Official (OBO) following the collapse of the retaining wall affecting five houses and at least 40 renters in Sitio UCMA, barangay Apas.

Cebu City Mayor Michael Rama conducted an on-site inspection the same day the CDO was issued.

“Megawide is also coordinating with government agencies to form a plan of action that will rectify the problem immediately.  They further commit to swiftly undertake measures necessary to strengthen the soil foundation in the excavation area in compliance with the methodology of the Cebu City Office of the Building Official (OBO) in order to ensure that this problem will not recur,” the statement continued.

Affected settlers were temporarily sheltered at the nearest Catholic chapel right after the collapse.

This is not the first time the nearby the project’s wall collapsed as a similar incident occurred October last year.

Despite this, Filinvest and Megawide assured the city government “that all works are being undertaken with utmost care and with emphasis on the safety of all concerned.”  (FREEMAN)