SANTO DOMINGO. – Structural engineer Luis Abbott warned that buildings closed to Chinese merchants are highly vulnerable and can collapse even without an earthquake or cyclone.
He said that they must therefore undergo immediate technical evaluations to correct faults and classify the degrees of vulnerability.
In a press conference last Friday, the 26th of this month, the Minister of Housing, Habitat and Buildings (MIVHED), Carlos Bonilla, announced the results of the inspection operations carried out by the entity in commercial establishments.
According to the Ministry of Housing authorities, the results of the inspections are endorsed by experts and competent authorities, revealing significant deficiencies in the businesses that were temporarily closed.
Source: Ministry of Housing.
They cite among them a lack of structural redundancy, soft floors and significant deformations, and irregularities in elevation and in plan.
Similarly, deficiencies were detected in the load transfer lines, poorly constructed joints, without welding, bolts without adequate torque, and sections that were neither compact nor prequalified under international standards.
The MIVHED maintains that the temporary closures in various commercial establishments are based on Law 687-82 and Technical Regulations R-004 (Decree 232-17) and R-021 (Decree 576-06), which provide the obligation to have a construction license and final inspection certification as prerequisites for the occupation and operation of buildings in the Dominican Republic.
Faults found by the Mivhed in one of the closed Chinese establishments. (External source).
"Our commitment is clear: to ensure that those who work in these establishments and those who visit them are protected. All the measures adopted have that objective: the life and safety of the people," Bonilla stated.
Presentation of findings to those affected
The MIVHED reported that prior to the press conference, it held a meeting with representatives of the closed establishments, in which the technical findings were presented in detail and in which the institution reiterated its willingness to assist them in correcting the deficiencies detected and that the representatives and owners of these establishments showed their willingness to address any corrections to regularize their status.
"With these actions, MIVHED reaffirms that the measures adopted seek to guarantee safe buildings that reinforce redundancy in the safety of people, through a transparent process that includes both the authorities and the owners of the projects," the entity stated.
He reminded everyone that the execution and operation of buildings without the corresponding building permit, without the stage-by-stage technical inspections or the final certification, constitutes an administrative offense and may have legal consequences.
