By KIT BAGAIPO
After the much publicized commencement of rehabilitation works at the unfinished building of the former Agora Public Market, the city government has ordered contractor J.L. Apostol Enterprises to stop all construction activities.
This latest snag on the Agora rehabilitation has alarmed the public after its completion has been long overdue.
The stoppage order dated October 11, 2007 was issued by City Administrator Walter Toston after the private contractor failed to meet several building requirements.
In his order, Toston stated that the contractor has ignored an earlier directive, dated September 6, 2007, to submit documents prior to the actual construction works.
Among the enumerated requirements include a verified survey data duly checked and authorized by the city government certifying the veracity of the approved detailed engineering plans, structural design and analysis, architectural details, approved construction drawings, approved technical specifications and mutually agree cost estimates, contracting firm's project organizational structure, bar chart, manpower and equipment schedules, monthly cash flow and an environmental compliance certificate (ECC).
J.L Apostol went ahead with its construction works "without observing protocols," the stoppage order stated.
Accordingly, the contractor did not inform the Project Management Office of detailed activities and did not secure the basic requirements for building permit.
Moreover, it was observed by Toston that the "actual form and characteristic of the building did not follow the concept plan as agreed in the contract."
The city administrator also questioned the contractor for engaging the services of another firm to do the civil works of the project even without going through pre-qualification and approval.
THE CONTRACT
The city government entered into a rehabilitate-operate-transfer (ROT) agreement with JL Apostol on March 2007 to rehabilitate the unfinished structure into a modern Tagbilaran Business Center.
The private contractor will operate the business center for 25 years before it will be reverted to the city.
The new business hub will be equipped with escalators, service elevator, parking area for approximately 68 vehicles, 24-hour security and a multi-purpose roof deck which could host functions and public gatherings.
The business complex will generate a guaranteed income of P5-million yearly for the city government or 20% of the yearly gross receipts from tenants' rentals, whichever is higher.
Based on the contract, the contractor will shoulder all rehabilitation expenses.
Revenue projections for the business center showed that in their first year of operations alone, they are expected to realize a gross revenue of P30.6-million.
The revenue from rentals, however, excludes the yearly revenues it will bring to the city in terms of taxes, permits and licenses. (with reports from Chito Visarra)
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