A QUALIFIED?structural engineer yesterday called on Government to go the extra mile to enlist the services of a “check consultant” who would ensure that its spanking new six-storey complex at Valery in Brittons Hill is structurally sound.
The appeal from Grenville Phillips Jr, of Consulting Engineering Partnerships Ltd, came even as Prime Minister Freundel Stuart and Chief Town Planner Mark Cummins gave their firm assurances that Government had made safety its highest priority for the high-rise development in light of the cave-in at nearby Arch Cot four years ago.
“For critical facilities it is normal for some countries to stipulate that another set of eyes look at it and these are people who are at least as qualified or better qualified than the original designers,” Phillips said.
He argued that high-rise buildings should be designed at a higher standard than one- or two-storey ones, noting that while bad things could happen “like Campus Trendz where all those girls died, there is a lot more that can go wrong with a six-storey building” (RJ/MK)
Above, Prime Minister Freundel Stuart (left) listening to Minister of Housing Michael Lashley (second left) make a point to builder Mark Maloney (right) as Minister of Tourism Richard Sealy looked on during yesterday’s tour of the high-rise project at Valery. (Picture by Nigel Browne)
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