ILOILO CITY — The Department of Public Works and Highways’ (DPWH) office in Western Visayas has recommended the conduct of a non-destructive test for housing units of the controversial PHP290-million “Yolanda” housing project in Bacjawan Sur, Concepcion, Iloilo.
The non-destructive test aims to determine the durability of the structures, said Jeylourd P. Riofrir of DPWH 6’s (Western Visayas) maintenance division during the second investigation conducted by the Sangguniang Panlalawigan on the alleged substandard project.
One of the tests is a rebound hammer to check the hardness of the concrete, Riofrir said.
The DPWH, in its report following the June 8 on-site inspection, said the “alleged substandard construction of NHA project was truly observed at the random inspection.”
In the report, the DPWH said that based on the visual and actual physical condition of the walls, it doubts that the desired compressive strength design requirement was attained due to the poor quality of concrete, low cement concrete, or improper design mix as visible on concrete walls and slabs.
Meanwhile, Herminio Carreon of Hercar Builders that contracted the project, welcomed the recommendation of DPWH-6.
“I welcome that plan to test those that have defects because I want also to assure the integrity of my work,” Carreon said in a media interview Thursday afternoon.
He added that they have already started rectifying housing units with defects.
So far, he said his office has received 279 complaints from beneficiaries and 200 have signed approval that their houses have been rectified.
Provincial Board member Renee Valencia, who chairs the committee on justice, good government, and human rights, said they will no longer conduct another hearing over the issue.
However, they will draft a committee report and submit it to the National Housing Authority’s central office, and maybe the Senate since the Senate’s housing committee is also conducting an investigation of all housing projects for victims of typhoons and other calamities. (Cindy Ferrer/PNA)
