By Malu Cadelina Manar
KIDAPAWAN CITY (Nov 19) – The Kidapawan city government granted the request of the management of Eva’s Hotel for another 15-day extension to find a contractor to demolish its damaged building, but also warned management they would take over the demolition if action is not taken soon.
Eva's Hotel stands damaged after a strong earthquake in Kidapawan, north Cotabato, Thursday, Oct. 31, 2019. (AP Photos/Williamor Magbanua / MANILA BULLETIN)
The hotel’s facade collapsed after the strong earthquake in the region on October 31.
Engineer Alan Balgos, head of the Kidapawan City Demolition and Enforcement Unit (KCDEU), said they decided to give the management more time to enter into an agreement with a private contractor that would execute the demolition.
Earlier, the city LGU granted the hotel management a seven-day extension up to Nov. 15. The management asked for another extension which the LGU granted on Nov. 18.
“We were told the hotel management and the private construction firm have yet to agree on the terms and conditions of the contract,” said Balgos.
Should the negotiations fail, however, Balgos said the city government will take over the demolition.
In a meeting on Monday, the KDCEU passed a resolution requesting the Sangguniang Panglungsod to allow City Mayor Joseph Evangelista to enter into a contract with a private firm that would spearhead the job.
“Should the management fail to conduct the demolition… the city LGU will shoulder the expenses. And whatever valuable materials from the hotel that would be recovered during the demolition would be kept or stored and placed auction. That also includes the lot. We will just collect from the management the balance if ever this won’t be enough to pay all the expenses the city government will…incur during the demolition,” said Balgos.
Reportedly, there are at least three construction firms being considered for the project.
Balgos said the city government wants the hotel demolished “as soon as possible.”
“Ang iniisip natin ang kapakanan ng publiko. Kung hindi sila gumalaw, paano na lang ang ibang mga establisiemento na nakapalibot sa hotel (We are thinking of the public’s welfare. If the management won’t act, what about the other establishments around the hotel),” said the engineer.
Several establishments near the damaged hotel were ordered to stay closed as long as the hotel still stands near them, including the Kidapawan Doctors Hospital, Inc., two famous food chains, private clinics, and several houses.