Mahadeo said he noticed that the roofs were being built without
the traditional steel support, making the structure shaky.
“It’s a known fact that those purlins cannot sustain
hurricane-force winds, especially in excess of 110 miles per hour,”
he told Mirror.
“Plus the purlins are fastened onto the frame with regular
roof screws.
“Imagine that no galvanise has gone up yet and the purlins
are already bending under the weight.” (See Photo).
He said steel beams and bolts should have been used to make the
structures stronger.
“A roof is a very heavy thing, and the purpose of the purlins
is to distribute the weight, which is then supported by the steel.
As far as I have calculated, the structure may not hold up to high
winds.”
He said he went to the purlin manufacturer and asked for proof that
the supports could survive a hurricane.
He said he was informed that an analysis was still being compiled.
Gopaul said he had already approached the Association of Professional
Engineers (APETT), the Consumer Affairs Division and the Design
Department of the Ministry of Works, all to no avail.
He said his next move is to contact NIPDEC and UDECOTT Chairman
Calder Hart on the matter. However, sources at NIPDEC said they
have been made aware of similar concerns, but said that for the
most part, it may be a case of “sour grapes” on the
part of individuals who were not awarded contracts on the project.
Gopaul, though, insists he’s not one of those, and that all
he’s seeking is security for his family and his investment.
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