Developer: Collapsed wall ‘minor part’ of condo project

THE management of Taft Property Venture Development Corp. said the collapse of part of a retaining wall last April 10 was a “minor part of the entire project” for Horizons 101 in Cebu City.

In a statement, the developer said “no work has been started on the tower at all” for its 50-story condominium along General Maxilom Avenue and that the excavation work “is not related to the tower integrity and structure.”

The statement in full:

A portion of the shot crete retaining wall, which was constructed by the excavation contractor of Taft Property  (i.e., Asdec Builders from Manila), collapsed due to the water build-up that  caused the soil movement and for which the retaining wall was not able to hold up.

As a result thereof, eight residential houses located near the site were affected and put at risk.

The Cebu city government unit, through Mayor Mike Rama, issued a cease-and-desist order against Taft Property directing Taft to suspend any construction work and activities on the project.

The City then ordered the immediate evacuation of all residents living in the affected houses.

The affected families were evacuated and most of them are now billeted in pension houses, courtesy of Taft Property.

Some of them opted to stay with relatives for which they were given monetary assistance.

In addition to paying for their dwelling expenses, Taft Property also provided the affected residents with food, toiletries and other basic necessities.

The show of support will continue until the residents can move back to their respective houses.

Taft Property is doing everything it can to ensure the safety, security and convenience of the affected residents.

Taft Property presented to Mayor Rama and the Office of the Building Official its solution to address and rectify the situation within 60 days.

The plan had the imprimatur of Dr. Salvador Reyes, the acknowledged dean of local geo-technical experts in the Philippines.

During the meeting, the OBO officials found the plan acceptable but they  want to make sure that it is strictly followed and implemented.

As agreed during the meeting, Taft Property was given the go-signal to commence work on its solution.

According to OBO, the remedial works are not covered be the cease and desist order issued to Taft Property. Only excavation work-related is suspended.

According to Taft, the problem on the excavation is only a minor part of the entire project.

The activity is not related to the tower integrity and structure.

As a matter of fact, no work has been started on the tower at all.

Furthermore, the excavation contractor has no relation to a general contractor in terms of capability, resources and skills, which would be prime requisites in selecting the major contractor for the tower itself.

Taft Property has obtained all the necessary permits and licenses from the government agencies concerned.