A complete lack of approvals for permits and non-compliance with safety standards by contractor companies mean there could be more delays to the scheduled opening of the new Ministry of National Defense headquarters, a military official said on Monday.
A number of problems have arisen during the construction of the new complex in Taipei’s Zhongshan District (中山), and the supervisory unit is at fault for oversight and neglect in quality-control management over the contracted work, the official said, adding that a rush to meet deadlines might come at the expense of ensuring safety standards are met.
“One electrical engineer quit on June 3. No one picked up his work for two to three months. This shows that there were lapses by contractors,” said the official, who declined to be named.
Construction on the project began in 1996 and it is scheduled to finish this month. Due to wrangling and problems with contractors there have been numerous delays, with the original opening planned for 2011.
The overall budget for the project has ballooned to NT$15.8 billion (US$520 million), up from the original cost of NT$13.3 billion — an increase of almost 19 percent.
Deputy Minister of National Defense Chiu Kuo-cheng (邱國正) conducted inspection tours on Sept. 25 and on Thursday last week.
During a briefing, Chiu was made aware of compliance issues with utilities and fire safety, and contractors had problems with material supply and work crews, the official said, adding that the main contracting company had suggested a further postponement of the opening to January or March next year.
However, Chiu vetoed the proposal and pressed the Armaments Bureau to closely supervise the contractors so that the work is completed by the end of this month, the source said.
The ministry released a statement yesterday saying the safety of personnel and facilities is the top priority, and that it would comply with safety inspections in accordance with the law.
“Due to the large area the project covers, the Taipei City Fire Department has been making inspections in stages starting on Aug. 8,” the statement said. “Up to Sept. 17, most utility systems had passed inspections. Improvements are being made in some areas. The fire department will make a final inspection when all the improvements are completed.”
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