ZAMBOANGA PENINSULA: ZAMBOANGA CITY

Other projects of contractor of collapsed covered court in Zamboanga City put on hold

THE ZAMBOANGA City government has put on hold all other projects awarded to the contractor of the covered court in Sinubong National High School, which collapsed Monday causing minor injuries to at least eight students. City Engineer Christopher Q. Navarro, in a briefing Monday, said Lamitan VJ Construction and Supplies has been ordered to stop work on the rehabilitation of the public market and Phase 3 of Nuñez Extension Road. The company has also been ordered to immediately repair the covered court, and to pay for all the medical expenses of the injured students. Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar has also instructed the City Engineer’s Office, the City Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Office, together with the Department of Education, to undertake a thorough investigation into the incident and inspect all infrastructure projects undertaken in schools. Last May 24, Ms. Salazar issued a memorandum ordering an intensified implementation of the Building Code and Safety Measures. Mr. Navarro explained during the press briefing that while there was an initial acceptance of the covered court project following its completion, no permission was given yet for the school to use the facility pending a formal turnover. However, the principal decided to use the facility for classes due to lack of classrooms. Ms. Salazar said the city’s legal office will look into possible charges against the contractor and others who may be found to have committed building code violations.