THE developer of a condominium building in Brgy. Apas has yet to resume construction after the building collapsed, resulting in the death of one construction worker and the injury of another on May 22, 2021.

Architect Florante Catalan, head of Cebu City’s Office of the Building Official (OBO), said the developer sent them a letter of request on May 24 asking for the suspension to be lifted, but Catalan refused the request.

“We cannot grant them their request yet. On May 24, they promised to submit the other requirements needed for them to resume construction today or as soon as possible, said Catalan.

Catalan said the developer has not yet completed the safety measures required to avoid any accidents in the future.

One of these is to make sure that the two towers are secured with safety nets, and that the fence by the site of the accident is sturdy.

Upon OBO’s inspection, there were cracks which make it unsafe and might cause another accident.

Catalan said the septic tank near the area caused the ground to give way, and they suspect it caused the incident. He said this problem has to be resolved.

According to Catalan, the developer promised to comply with the requirements and work on soil consolidation while also working on securing the foundation.

Catalan said once all safety measures are in place, the suspension will be lifted.

Meanwhile, the contractor, PLD Construction, assured that it is fully committed to providing all the support possible for the two workers involved in the accident.

“This support also extends to their families. One worker is being treated in a private hospital and afforded with the best care,” the company said in a statement on Monday, May 24.

It added that financial assistance is also afforded to the family of the worker who passed away.

“We will continue to give our workers and their families the help they need,” it said.

The construction firm has also started to meet with the OBO and the Department of Labor and Employment.

It said it will fully comply with their requirements and would likewise offer the same coordination with local police investigators. (JOB, PAC / CCP)