Yaranon: Stop convention center rehab
WORK stoppage is being sought at the Baguio Convention Center (BCC) by legislators.
Councilor Maylen Yaranon said “so disappointed, they should implement City approved plans by Technical Working Groups. We intend to make them stop immediately to prevent more damage and expense. Will talk to DPWH regional Director Canlas.”
This week, legislators were appalled when the Department of Public Works and Highways admitted to implementing changes without consulting the Technical Working Group tasked to oversee work being done at the convention center.
DPWH representatives said revised plans have been approved by the CBAO and signed by Mayor Mauricio Domogan and does not need blessings from neither the TWG nor the council.
However, Yaranon said CBAO head Nazita Banez confirmed plans were only presented to CBAO early this month, when work was already ongoing at the convention center.
Domogan who was informed of the impasse, also ordered a probe on the matter, in a seeming miscommunication with his office.
The DPWH revised plans have taken out the elevator, escalator and mezzanine area saying structural integrity of the BCC will not allow the additions.
The elevator and escalator were aimed to give a wider access to Persons with Disability (PWD) and the elderly.
Councilor Art Allad iw meanwhile said urged the contractor to follow the approved technical working plan approved by the city as there are deviation by the DPWH like the bleacher and removal of the elevator and escalator.
Allad iw slammed revisions made by the DPWH blocking efforts to made the space accessible to PWD’s. “The revision my DPWH is unacceptable as it goes beyond the city approved plan and which is a product of consultations and experts output,” Allad-iw said.
Yaranon harped on the cost of work totaling 169M has yielded no new facets despite the taking out of the elevator, escalator and mezzanine floors.
The lady councilor said the matter will be discussed during the executive –legislative meeting with Domogan.