TAIPEI (TVBS News) — Taipei Mayor Chiang Wan-an defended the city government on Friday (Sept. 8), explaining that though professionals were sent to inspect Kee Tai's construction site in April and May as petitioned by residents of the area, no abnormalities were detected.
Chiang clarified that at that time, the contractors hadn't excavated the underground levels yet, so the collapse today was unlikely a result of poor inspection.
Taipei City's Department of Urban Development observed no direct relation since the slurry wall construction had not been initiated then. They asserted that the crisis ensued due to the contractor's failure to correctly implement construction procedures, leading to a pressure overload and the wall's breakdown.
On Thursday evening, residential buildings on Lane 94, Dazhi Street in Zhongshan District began tilting and partially collapsed due to Kee Tai Properties' construction issues.
An approximate 369 residents have been relocated to 9 neighboring hotels.
To stabilize the site, the city administration has commenced dispatching pumper trucks for grouting, which is expected to last three days.
According to Chiang, rigorous monitoring is in effect for the collapsed buildings and those in the vicinity.
The mayor assured residents that the administration would undertake a full-blown investigation and handle the responsibility the city should bear.