Mandaue to closely monitor high-rise building construction

CEBU, Philippines — Cautious about the collapse of a building in Cebu City recently, the Mandaue City government is taking action over the newly built high-rise buildings and their adjacent structures.

During its regular session yesterday, the City Council passed a resolution that Councilor Jimmy Lumapas sponsored requesting the Office of the Building Official (OBO) through the Office of the City Mayor Jonas Cortes to conduct thorough inspection of these buildings and reassess the condition of its structural fitness.

“The City Government of Mandaue request the necessary re-evaluation upon these buildings and proposed construction of high-rise buildings and subject the same for mandatory inspection and reassure the general public by its declaration of structural fitness,” read Lumapas’ resolution.

Lumapas added that while no casualty was reported during the Cebu City incident, it is but fitting and proper for the City of Mandaue to conduct mitigating measures in order to evade similar incident in the city.

The back portion of a building, which sits at the corner of Gorordo Avenue and Escario Street in Cebu City, collapsed at dawn of August 5, 2019 and authorities said an ongoing construction of a condominium project right beside it may have something to do with the incident.

The OBO in Cebu City said the ground and weakened and softened due to the alleged failure of the 26-story condominium project to comply with adequate soil protection requirements.

OBO Head Florante Catalan said initial investigation revealed that a large volume of water exited the bore hole when the drilling activities, which are part of the excavation, started on March 28 this year.

He said the owner of the building was issued building and excavation permits last year. (FREEMAN)