Dear Editor,
Your February 12 issue of Stabroek News front page picture depicted the demolition of the three-storied concrete and steel building located at the corner of North Road and Oronoque Street. The caption article stated that the building was sinking due to a faulty foundation design and the demolition was being done out of a concern for public safety.
I am prompted to pen this letter after observing the demolition in progress. There are no safety barriers or warning signs alerting passersby or traffic to the dangers of falling debris, neither is there a debris net to restrain the broken concrete and dust. The pedestrian traffic consists mainly of schoolchildren on their way to and from school; it seems that the public safety of our little ones was never considered.
I understand that the owner of this building currently conducts business at the adjoining property in North Road; the nature of this business is in industrial machinery and spares associated with the mining industry. This new building was to be part of their expansion. Now why was permission given by the Central Housing and Planning Authority and the City Engineer’s Department for a commercial building to be erected in a city area considered as residential? If you pass by this business place you will see the congestion and the inconvenience caused by their customers who park their bush trucks and other large vehicles without any consideration for others, or the placement of shipping containers, causing drivers proceeding north on Oronoque Street. to have to go almost halfway across North Road to determine if it clear to cross.
I recognize the right of any person to operate any legal business, but this right must not inconvenience others. Why weren’t the owners advised that the type of business they conduct would be better located at one of the industrial sites established by the government, where they could serve their customers in comfort and not inconvenience neighbours. After all, this was one of the purposes of establishing industrial sites. The CHPA must insist that commercial activities of this nature be done away from residential areas.
It seems that is now the norm for these mid-rise and high-rise buildings used for commercial purposes to be constructed in residential areas. Are not the zoning laws enforced? Or is the march to “progress” more important than the comfort, peace and serenity of our citizens?
Your article further states that the building is sinking because no piles were driven to give the stability to the foundation. While your article does not say whether the owners intend to rebuild, the suggested use of piles is a major cause of concern. I think pile-driving in that area will result in dire consequences for those living close by.
I am concerned, because I grew up and have cherished memories of that part of Bourda and I am aware of the state of neighbouring properties; some are in excess of 70 years old and stand on 4”x4” wooden stilts. Others have spot foundations for their pillar bases and would hardly withstand the vibration and soil displacement resulting from pile-driving.
A subsequent Stabroek News article reports an official from the City Engineers Department as saying that as a result of numerous sinking buildings, persons intending to build three stories and above, will now be required to submit a foundation design and technical report before permission is granted. The official is further reported as saying that the department does not have the technical capacity to make any assessment.
Let’s say the design or technical report recommends pile-driving, will neighbouring properties be inspected to ascertain if they can withstand it? I am advised that currently if pile-driving is to be done, the owner must give neighbouring property owners a written undertaking that any damage caused will be repaired. If this is so, who ensures that the damage is fixed in a proper way. What about damage that may not be visible – cracked or broken foundation or damage that may not be apparent until months or years later? Who fixes broken underground water pipes or the nearly 100-year-old cast iron sewer lines? Has consideration been given to earth tremors – we had two in the past few months – what effects will such an occurrence have on a neighbouring compromised foundations? One only has to pass by the Catholic church located at North and New Garden Streets and see the cracks that have resulted from pile-driving done on Church Street just across from the church building.
Sure, there is recourse to the courts, but how can people of limited means pay a lawyer to put forward their case, or pay an engineering firm to prepare a report that would strengthen their case?
I do not profess to be an engineer of lawyer, I am only a humble citizen concerned about public safety. I’m sure our legal and engineering minds will weigh in on this conversation.
My simple advice is, let’s call a time out; let’s examine the ramifications – no pun intended – of pile-driving in residential areas of the City of Georgetown.
Yours faithfully,
C E Wilkinson
