Superficial assessment of technical condition behind caving in of building on Valnu Street in Old Town
The key reason for the caving in of the building at 3 Valnu Street in Old Town Riga was a superficial assessment of its technical condition, according to an opinion from the State Labor Inspection.
The key reason for the caving in of the building at 3 Valnu Street in Old Town Riga was a superficial assessment of its technical condition, according to an opinion from the State Labor Inspection.
This was "collective irresponsibility," State Labor Inspection inspector Gunta Bike commented to LETA.
According to Bike, the risk of a collapse was not determined duly, and a number of drawbacks were ascertained in design planning.
Legally, the project manager Gundars Jatnieks is responsible because the construction board had designated assessment of the building ahead of renovation work. He had hired the firm "ARRA" to conduct inspection of the building but failed to stipulate the requirement in a contract.
Bike however admitted that actual responsibility rests on "ARRA", as specialists must do everything possible to ensure safety during renovations.
The State Labor Inspection examined causes of the accident and forwarded the case to the police, who will decide on initiating a criminal case.
As reported, on June 11, the five-story building partially caved in at 3 Valnu Street in Old Town Riga. Four people were rescued from the basement of the building.
This was "collective irresponsibility," State Labor Inspection inspector Gunta Bike commented to LETA.
According to Bike, the risk of a collapse was not determined duly, and a number of drawbacks were ascertained in design planning.
Legally, the project manager Gundars Jatnieks is responsible because the construction board had designated assessment of the building ahead of renovation work. He had hired the firm "ARRA" to conduct inspection of the building but failed to stipulate the requirement in a contract.
Bike however admitted that actual responsibility rests on "ARRA", as specialists must do everything possible to ensure safety during renovations.
The State Labor Inspection examined causes of the accident and forwarded the case to the police, who will decide on initiating a criminal case.
As reported, on June 11, the five-story building partially caved in at 3 Valnu Street in Old Town Riga. Four people were rescued from the basement of the building.
