Raps await EBA construction

IF ROAD repairs will not commence, a court case will be in order.

Aldo Calderon representing EBA construction and building owner Eusebio Aquino faced the local council over inconveniences caused by construction of a high rise building along South Drive.

Calderon was castigated for not responding to letters from South drive village chief Maribel Cagalawan, the City Buildings and Architecture Office [CBAO] Nazita Bañez as well warnings by the Department of Public Works and Highways over dangers their construction has caused.

The CBAO chief said a case against the team maybe in order if repairs will not ensue adding she has since denied a new excavation permit for the construction of the building pending resolution of the present mess the project is in.

Banez said the company has not heeded orders by the CBAO which has been waiting for action for a year. Excavation of for the construction has also exceeded the 119 cm approved earlier and has asked for the structural plan and analysis from the company. Councilors were alarmed by the hazard the nine story building has caused the city owned road which is now in danger of collapsing as well as the private property of the Calinao family, adjacent the Aquino owned lot.

The building has six floors dedicated to a hotel while the remaining floors will serve as parking spaces as construction has encroached South Drive road and has as affected the nearby Calinao property.

ABC president Micheal Lawana called for the investigation in fear of having another collapsed road to deal with referring to the Gibraltar area.

During the session, Calderon offered apologies to aldermen and officials and promised to work on the road, assuring a 24/7 team to focus on the repairs before the rainy season starts.

Calderon said problems started after a breakdown of BWD pipe occurred where they sought the assistance off the water district.

Residents have been complaining on ground subsidence as well as the fear of the road to give in because of the ongoing work as half of the road has already been closed due to subsidence adding to the traffic woes of the city.

DPWH engineer Nora Delos Santos said road closure is not allowed by the department but said the case in South Drive leaves little choice.

Aldo said talks have been made to the Calinao family on the matter of the private property being affected by the construction.