MINES and Geosciences Bureau Davao Regional Director Edilberto Arreza has ruled out the possibility of a sinkhole occurrence in Davao City, similar to the recent disaster in Guatemala.
"Although the presence of aquifers in (the city) technically puts the area at risk, the fact that most of these aquifers are sandwiched by tough, impervious rocks severely limits the possibility of sinkhole formation," Arreza told Sun.Star in an interview Thursday.
A gigantic 20-meter-wide by 30-meter-deep sinkhole that swallowed a building on a road intersection in Guatemala City shocked people all over the globe.
"Limestone formations are more prone to liquefaction and collapse, like the GSIS Village and Shrine Hills," he added. Unlike other areas in the city, Arreza said, the aquifers beneath these areas are packed only by relatively soft limestone formations.
Arreza, however, said people in these places should not worry because an important requirement for the issuance of building permits is a clearance from MGB Davao Region.
"If there will be construction work in a high-risk area, we require building contractors to apply necessary engineering interventions to mitigate the risks, sinkholes are quite rare, the greater threats are landslides and floods," he said.
An Environmental Compliance Certificate (ECC), which is required for local building permits, includes a clearance from the MGB 11 for the ECC to be considered valid. Hence, MGB can prevent construction projects if necessary.
No geologists
Currently, MGB Davao Region outsources geological work to private companies because of the absence of in-house geologists. "Not having our own geologists curtails MGB's ability to deliver the services promptly, so it's difficult," Arreza lamented, adding that "most of our former geologists go to private entities because of better benefits, and sadly, that is something that the government cannot match."
"But the people should not be alarmed as we already have completed all the necessary geohazard mapping in Davao Region, and all high-risk areas have been identified."
"But then, there is really a legitimate need for geologists, that is why the MGB Davao Region is offering Geology and Mining Engineering scholarship grants to academically deserving students, so that we can address this manpower shortage."
He said applications for the scholarship grants for AY 2011-2012 is open until December 13 2010, inquiries can be directed to the MGB Davao Region office at 669 Konsuela Bldg., Aurora Quezon Street, Davao City.