NHA suspends Marawi rehab contractor

DAVAO CITY – The National Housing Authority (NHA) has suspended a contractor tapped to undertake rehabilitation inside the most affected areas (MAA) in war-ravaged Marawi City after it allegedly went on “indiscriminate demolition and clearing of structures” in the area.

This was disclosed by NGA General Manager Marcelio Escalada Jr. who said that the operations of Finmat International Resources Inc. (Finmat) was temporarily suspended after the agency received complaints from local residents and other property owners in Marawi’s MAA, crying foul over the demolition of their property without consent.

He said Finmat violated their agreement when it proceeded with the demolition at MAA without first securing the consent of the property and building owners, and the lack of permit from the local government unit (LGU).

“The execution demolition should have waiver and consent, and also have an attachment of a duly approved demolition permit from the building official, whether partially or totally damaged,” he said.

He said his project engineer already called the attention of the contractor, but their workers continued to their operation despite the warning.

“If the contractor will still commit the same violation, I will terminate the contract because this will create a social problem,” he said.

Escalada said he now ordered the contractors to hold a pre-implementa- tion conference with the LGU officials and the owner before Finmat’s operations could resume.

As such, Escalada said that the NHA will be installing billboards in Marawi City, indicating the demolition policies so that contractors and the residents will be guided accordingly.

Escalada said part of the guidelines was that the LGU shall “moto propio” issue a demolition permit upon presentation or submission by the contractor of a verified written waiver or consent from the building owners.

He said the contractor must issue a notice of violation where the time, area and date of operation would be indicated.

“The contractor or NHA shall fully document all demolitions activities,” Escalada said.

The official said he also told the contractors and the NHA that any personal items recovered during the demolition and clearing activities shall be properly documented before these are turned-over to ‘the rightful owner.’

“The owner shall full acknowledge the same through a dully signed acknowledgement receipt of all the items recovered during the demolition and clearing activities,” he said.