Company called to act on ‘hazardous’ property

CEBU, Philippines - Cebu City acting mayor Edgar Labella has called the attention of White Gold House, Inc. over its structure beside the Cebu Institute of Technology – University, whose construction has since been abandoned.

 “The said school has complained to this office of the hazard posed by the said abandoned construction, particularly the tall rusty steel columns located very close to their academic building on one side and the elementary building on the other,” Labella said in a February 4 letter to Mary Ann Cabahug of White Gold House, Inc.

Among those considered hazardous are the corroded steel columns that are at reportedly at risk of collapsing anytime.

“I am writing you to urgently reiterate our request for you to immediately remove the said structural ha-zard before any untoward incident can happen,” the letter reads further.

Labella reminded the company of the notices the city’s Office of the Building Official (OBO) has sent.

“The OBO has repeatedly written your company urging you to voluntarily remove the hazard without the said office going through the lengthy procedure of abatement of a nuisance,” Labella said.

He said the city’s engineer has confirmed that the structure is hazardous following an inspection on January 19.

“Engineer Jennifer Sering, area inspector of OBO, confirmed the hazardous condition of the said steel columns being already eaten by rust, especially the base thereof, and recommended their immediate removal,” Labella said.

In an interview, Cabahug said they have started removing the steel columns since January 2 but work is still ongoing.

“Wala pa nahuman tungod kay daghan pa tangtangonon,” she said.

Cabahug said they have already spoken to the school’s administration to address the concern.  (FREEMAN)