Lagoon building needs safety check

AFTER an inspection by aldermen weeks ago, a building at the lagoon area needs proof of safety.

The high-rise building of Manolito Patawaran has been ordered to submit a new certification by a structural engineer to deem his two floor addition as safe.

However, Sun.Star Baguio sources reveal there are at least five buildings also in the vicinity of the lagoon which were built without permits.

Two five story buildings, a two story structure, a four story high rise and a three story structure has been reported to Sun.Star Baguio to be finished and standing but lacking the necessary permits.

In the case of the seven story apartment building of the Patawaran family, it has been asked to halt a construction of the last two floors o until a certification has

been given by the engineer.

The City Buildings and Architecture Office [CBAO] and the City Planning and Development Office served Patawaran a show cause order to explain alterations done in the original design of the house which includes parking slots, an elevator shaft, relocation of fire exits and fire protection materials.

The city council conducted ocular inspection weeks ago pushing them to recommend the expert to certify the safety of the high rise building.

Village chief Carlos Ananayo reported irregularities in the ongoing construction while Patawaran cried foul saying neighbors in the lagoon area who are also building high rise structures without permits are not being called out.

The entire lagoon area which is identified as a geo-hazard zone is known to flood during the rainy season. Maria Elena Catajan