TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei City Mayor Chiang Wan-an vowed on Friday (Sept. 8) to conduct a thorough investigation into Kee Tai Properties' construction site in Dazhi District, where their collapsed building base resulted in the same happening to surrounding buildings.
He stated his commitment to investigating the matter, pledging reparations for affected residents.
The harrowing development has seen around 367 residents evacuated from their homes at Dazhi St. 94 lane, 1st alley, in Taipei's Zhongshan District.
The number rose from the previous evening's 159 after residential buildings began showing signs of instability. This unexpected escalation comes eight months after the residents lodged a petition for closer inspection of the construction site, which they claim was neglected.
City Councilor Chen Yi-chun added that residents had previously alerted both the Taipei City Government and developers to cracks appearing in the building eight months prior but received no response.
Despite the city's Department of Urban Development's statement on July 6, 2023, that construction posed no public safety risk, Kee Tai Properties conceded Thursday evening that sloppy workmanship caused the damage to neighboring properties and promptly halted the construction.
Mayor Chiang's initial assessment of the situation points to the construction company's failure to stabilize the building base while excavating three underground levels, resulting in the collapse.
The department will further investigate if the incident correlates with the surrounding topography and geology. The Taipei City Government vows to expedite repairs, offering full support to those affected and ensuring responsibilities are duly assigned.