Collapse in La Romana: Why do construction collapses occur?

La Romana — Regarding the collapse of a building that occurred around noon yesterday in the Villa Nazaret sector of La Romana, the former secretary general of the College of Engineers, Architects and Surveyors (CODIA) said that many collapses, accidents, and construction defects in residential and commercial buildings are caused by builders and developers who do not have adequate technical supervision of the works.
Architect Edgar Martínez explained that there are inefficiencies in quality control, and the works are supervised superficially.
“Another element is non-compliance with regulations and this leads to buildings being erected without fire escapes, with materials different from those specified by each construction and not complying with what is required by the competent agencies,” he said.
He said other recurrent failures are identified in the documentation, permits, and technical specifications that must be observed.
Martínez, an architect with a postgraduate degree in construction management and a specialty in construction supervision, pointed out that construction companies and developers are reluctant to add technical supervision teams because they understand it is an additional expense.
“Developers are reluctant to hire supervision because it means a cost for them, but the benefits are immense in preventing vices, claims, and lawsuits in court,” said Martinez, chairman of the board of directors of EM+A Group, a firm in the construction sector.
He said that, in cases of collapses, Code 1792 of the Civil Code establishes civil liability for developers and builders for ten years from the completion of the work.
“What we are seeing with the frequent collapses of buildings will continue to happen if developers and builders do not assume the responsibility of guaranteeing adequate supervision of each technical area of the works with the due technical parameters in accordance with the regulations,” he added.

He asserted that developers and builders must guarantee their investments and protect lives by subcontracting specialized companies dedicated to supervising works.
“This will avoid tragedies, lawsuits in court, and conflicts with the State and the acquirers,” he said, speaking at the activity that brought together engineers, architects, builders, and developers in a restaurant in the capital.
The CEO of the firm Xtriba Supervision mentioned that technical supervision derives multiple benefits, including improving control, quality, costs, and deadlines, efficient problem-solving, and compliance with regulations.
“Technical supervision is the guarantee that things are done properly in construction,” said architect Martínez, who is also CEO of the firm Supervision.
Architect Martínez referred to the issue when speaking on the topic “Optimization of supervision in construction” at the Peña Constructivo, which was offered in the presence of the president of the Dominican Association of Builders and Promoters of Housing (ACOPROVI), Annerys Meléndez, as well as project developers, engineers, and architects.
Peña Constructivo is a space for debate on issues of engineering and architecture professionals, focused on proposing solutions in the construction of wormattersste management, sanitary, and environmental systems.
It is coordinated by architect Luis Taveras, who produces and hosts the program Arquitectura Radial.
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