Rama tells fire dept to hasten inspection

Cebu City acting mayor Michael Rama said he is ready to order for the closure of establishments, particularly night spots and disco joints, that are considered as fire hazards to prevent tragic fire incidents in the future.

Rama had a chance to give instructions to the officials of the City Fire Department led by fire marshal Esmael Codilla when they made a courtesy call to his office at the City Hall yesterday.

“Ako sila nga gihatagan og instruction nga paspasan ang pag-inspection sa mga building kay nahadlok ko nga mahitabo dinhi sa Sugbo ang nahitabo didto sa Bangkok adtong bag-ong tuig,” the acting mayor said.

Shortly after the New Year midnight countdown, a fire hit a night club in Bangkok killing at least 60 people and leaving some 200 others wounded after they were trapped while racing towards the only main door of the establishment.

The incident was blamed on lack of proper fire safety standards like fire exits.

Rama said that if the fire inspectors are really religious on their jobs, many buildings, particularly those in Sanciangko Street, will be found as fire hazards.

“Kun dili na madala og repair, atong pasirad-an. Mas maayo na lang kini kay sa daghan unya ang mangamatay,” he said.

The inspection of buildings is not only the job of the fire department but also of the Office of the Building Official. OBO inspects buildings, especially business establishments, to see to it if they are still fit for occupancy.

However, OBO chief Josefa Ylanan said she lacks personnel to comply with the task.

During the City Council session this afternoon, acting vice mayor Hilario Davide III is expected to ask the fire officials to inspect the disco houses and night clubs in the city to find out whether these establishments have complied with the fire safety measures.

Some buildings in the city, including public schools, were found out to be fire hazards in an inspection conducted earlier by the personnel of the City Disaster Coordinating Council. – Rene U. Borromeo/WAB (THE FREEMAN)