Inter gov’t offices meet to solve Gibraltar issue

DURING the regular session of the City Council last Monday, the issue on the ongoing project of Suntrust Properties Incorporated was on top of the agenda.

Various personalities were invited to shed light on the reasons why a retaining wall along Gibraltar Road collapsed a number of times endangering not only the lives and properties of the adjoining community but at the same time destroying the said road in front of the construction site.

Present during the said deliberations include City District Engineer Alexander Castañeda of DPWH and Suntrust First Vice President for Legal Affairs Atty. Basilio Almazan Jr.. Both parties however presented documents to disclaim liability for the said incident. As both parties try to put the blame on the other side, the council suggested that they instead work hand in hand and resolve the issue immediately before further pointing fingers at each other.

With this, Suntrust and DPWH assured the council that they will closely work with each other and promised that the problem will be solved in 45 to 60 days. In line with this, Suntrust immediately scheduled a joint meeting this morning at their 88 Gibraltar project site. Expected to be present in the said meeting are representatives from the City District Engineering Office, City Buildings and Architecture’s Office, the Punong Barangays of Mines View and Gibraltar and the members of the City Council.

The council had earlier passed a measure to close the road in the area for a duration of 60 days to fast track the rehabilitation of the said portion and prevent further damage while construction is being administered. Meanwhile Vice Mayor Edison Bilog already went ahead and inspected the area yesterday together with Engr. Castañeda and hinted that as per the assessment of the DPWH, construction and rehabilitation of the said damage portion can be completed in 45 days or even less.