Overpressure triggers hose rupture, water leak in legislative building

By Rjay Zuriaga Castor

Barely two months after the Iloilo City government partially turned over its legislative building, a major water leak occurred on Aug. 28 when a flexible hose burst due to excessive water pressure.

According to an incident report, the leak originated in the pantry of the 7th-floor conference room, where a flexible hose ruptured at the reducer pipe.

The overpressure rupture led to uncontrolled water flow that reached the server room and the records section of the Sangguniang Panlungsod, cascading down to lower levels and soaking parts of all seven floors.

Joel Gerasmia, base chief of staff of the Facility Conservation Office, confirmed that the building’s contractor may be held liable if the ongoing investigation finds lapses in construction or installation.

He said a leak test had been conducted prior to the building’s partial turnover in late June.

The Office of the City Engineer has since recommended regular plumbing inspections, pressure regulation, and stricter maintenance protocols to prevent future incidents.

Gerasmia also reminded building occupants to ensure faucets and air-conditioning units are properly turned off, citing previous cases of water wastage caused by negligence.

The legislative building, reportedly 85% to 95% complete, has already been occupied by several city offices despite not being fully turned over.

Vice Mayor Lady Julie Grace “Love-love” Baronda described the incident as a construction failure, expressing frustration over the damage sustained by the SP records office, particularly decades-old documents dating as far back as the 1940s.

“Merely two months and it is already damaged. Who is accountable for this failure?” Baronda asked.

“This is not just a problem in my offices or the SP Secretariat, but also in other offices.”

She noted that since moving into the building, various offices have reported leaking pipes, substandard materials, and ceilings that already require replacement.

“Why is it poorly built? Why is the material substandard?” she added.

“I am saying this because it is only two months and there are already so many issues.”

Baronda also questioned the decision to relocate the legislative offices into the building despite its incomplete status, pointing out that the 6th floor of city hall could have served as a temporary office and session hall.

The PHP400-million building, constructed by E.M. Cuerpo Inc., began construction in 2021.