Before building firms urged: Check property thoroughly

CEBU, Philippines - The Mines and Geosciences Bureau (MGB) 7 has urged all contractors, planners, and developers to undertake a complete and detailed engineering geological and geohazard assessment (EGGA) before putting up any infrastructure or building.

The call was made following the magnitude 7.2 earthquake that jolted Central Visayas last October 15, which destroyed infrastructures in Bohol and Cebu, caused landslides and created sinkholes, and displaced communities.

MGB-7 Director Loreto Alburo said the conduct of an EGGA is essentially aimed at identifying the possible dangers within and adjacent areas of a development. Geohazards are areas that could be landslide or flood-prone, natural subsidence.

Alburo said the assessment to be prepared by a private firm must pay careful attention to the lithology (is the description of rock composition and texture), as well as the structural and dimensional earth materials exposed or inferred within the area.

In sloping terrain, Alburo said these materials should include bedrock and surficial deposits.

“It would include but not limited to the resorts, recreational facilities, golf courses, buildings especially multi-storey, roads, bridges, schools, and others,” Alburo added.

“By undertaking a thorough EGGA, the proponent would be able to comprehensively mitigate impacts instituting measures like drainage and slope stabilization controls,” said Isabelo Montejo, DENR-7 Executive Director.

With condominium buildings mushrooming in Cebu City alone, Montejo also advised those who are interested to buy units to always ask the developer whether or not the area where the building stands has been mapped for geohazards and what structu-ral engineering safeguards have been put in place.  (FREEMAN)