The hearing to determine the coercive measure will be this Sunday at 2 p.m.
SANTO DOMINGO.- The building where the Jet Set Club operated was intervened on several occasions since 1994 , but all were carried out with "total disregard for the regulations aimed at guaranteeing the quality and adequate protection of the users," states the document requesting coercive measures from the General Directorate of Prosecution of the Public Ministry and the Prosecutor's Office of the National District.
general renovation was carried out in 2010 , which included improvements to the infrastructure, air conditioning systems, and aesthetic adjustments aimed at the functionality of nighttime recreation.
“In 2014, engineer José Manuel Hernández Coste was contacted by architect Oscar Imbert to carry out a test on concrete and steel, structural survey, in the Jet Set Club building. He arrived in July of that year, where only able to plan three columns and determine two footings, as the work was not continued by those responsible for contacting him, leaving this work at 10% progress.”
The request for coercive measures states that had been completed , the serious structural flaw could have been detected, as it involved analyzing the rebar, beams, columns, slabs, and roof, in general terms, and the overall structural condition of the building. “But this was not possible due to the lack of follow-up and interest on the part of the defendants, who demonstrated great irresponsibility regarding a matter of vital importance to the safety of their clients,” it explains.
He adds that in 2015, further renovations were made to the premises, including the installation of a stage on the west side of the building, professional lighting systems, an updated dance floor, and new bar areas. He also states that a VIP area was created on a second level, and functional additions such as technical booths, air conditioning equipment, and ductwork were added to the roof, “but these changes were made without considering their impact on the structure.”.
According to the Public Prosecutor's Office, the work carried out in these facilities was in charge of the engineer Rafael Antonio Mejía Mejía , who, at the request of Antonio Espaillat, sought personnel for work on walls, floors, bathrooms, adding bars, carpentry, base of the dance floor with lights, paving stones, welding and construction of the new stage area.
“It was during these tasks that the engineer Rafael Antonio Mejía Mejía learned that had been removed from the structure of the Jet Set Club nightclub, because a blacksmith was requested to make the portico of the new stage.
The document highlights that the aforementioned renovations, adaptations and expansions were carried out with total disregard for the regulations aimed at guaranteeing quality and adequate protection of users.
“The accused Antonio Espaillat López, disregarded the regulation called R-021, which establishes that in order to build, rebuild, expand or in any way alter a building or other private structure, the owner or the project director must request approval from the corresponding agencies.
The Public Ministry's request for coercive measures highlights that the files of the Ministry of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (Mivhed) do not contain any request related to a preliminary project, remodeling or structural modification corresponding to the commercial premises where the Jet Set nightclub operated.
There are also no records relating to the submission of plans, technical documentation or authorizations from other state and municipal entities involved in the verification and review of construction works.
“In addition to the above, the work carried out was done without any permits from the Mayor's Office of the National District,” he says.
