The tentative structural audit report of Metro House building located in Colaba submitted by the landlord to Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) has stated severe damage to the
The tentative structural audit report of Metro House building located in Colaba submitted by the landlord to Maharashtra Housing and Area Development Authority (Mhada) has stated severe damage to the walls and structure, suggesting major repairs for the building that could result in residents and shopkeepers waiting even longer for the final structural audit report to be submitted.
The report has revealed that the recent fire has weakened the building and it is not in a situation for anyone to shift, with the B and C wings in particular requiring immediate repairs. “The final decision will be taken after the final report is submitted by the landlord after 15 days. In the meantime, we are going to conduct a meeting to discuss further roadmap on carrying out repair work,” said Dilip Garje, executive engineer, Mhada.
Mr Garje ruled out that the A wing, which houses the famous Café Mondegar, be opened to public. “Though the report has suggested major repairs for B and C wing that does not mean that A wing is safe to occupy. Only after all repair works are carried out and the final structural audit report is out, a decision on occupation of the structure will be taken,” he said.
After the fire, the BMC had restricted entry into the building due to safety reasons as the structure had weakened. Furthermore, the said structure is a cessed building constructed before 1969 and is maintained by Mhada’s repair and reconstruction board.
