Cavernous excavations from the initial phases of building constructions in Tehran have become a source of potential hazard in the metropolis.
“A number of gaping excavations are left unfilled mid-construction, which is a serious threat to passersby and residents,” head of architecture and urban planning committee of Tehran City Council Mohamamd Salari said, quoted by ISNA.
Tehran Municipality is to blame for the predicament. A large number of such excavations belong to projects that have either failed to obtain a permit, or were launched with a preliminary permit issued by the municipality (which does not authorize construction, but maintains control over issuance of license).
Moreover, contractors facing financial constraints after commencement of a project, or have their permit rescinded by the City Council, abandon the projects mid-way leaving construction sites unattended.
The initial work on a construction site allows for deep soil excavation to facilitate installation of building foundations and underground utility services for the project. However, there is no specific rule to mandate constructors to fill up the dug up sites when the construction process is halted.
Unfortunately, the municipality is incapable of intervening to resolve such matters. Tehran Construction Engineering Organization (TCEO), which plays a significant role in securing and stabilizing retaining walls of excavations, must oversee the situation.
“Parliament (Majlis) should ratify a law that authorizes the municipality to fill up such massive trenches and stabilize their retaining walls after they have been abandoned for a certain period of time in line with article 55 of the municipal law,” Salari added.
