SERDANG: An investigation will be carried out by the Public Works Department (JKR) to determine the cause of the ceiling collapse at the Serdang Hospital’s main lobby, said Health Minister Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai.
He said a thorough investigation was needed to find out exactly how and why three parts of the ceiling had collapsed.
“It might have been caused by a structural, design or maintenance failure. The investigation will help us know for sure,” he told reporters after visiting the site yesterday.
At the scene: Liow (left) at the Serdang Hospital yesterday, inspecting the site where the ceiling gave way on Sunday morning. Looking on are (from right) Serdang Hospital director Datuk Dr Ardi Hj Awang, Medical Development Division director Datuk Azmi Shafie and Selangor Health director Dr Rosnah Hadi.Liow said the results of the investigation were expected in one to two weeks.
The ceiling had collapsed early on Sunday morning. No one was injured in the incident.
He added that any number of factors could have caused the collapse.
“For example, maybe it was water seepage that caused the ceiling to become heavier and collapse,” he said, adding that debris from the collapse had been collected for the investigation.
“The hospital will be able to claim repair costs if it is found to be a design failure since the design warranty is still valid.”
Liow praised the hospital administration’s prompt actions in blocking off the area to protect the public’s safety and posting signs to inform them of the damage.
“Access to the site has been blocked and an alternative route from the main lobby has been created through the cafeteria.
“Additional guards have been placed around the area as well,” he said.
He added that all hospital operations were running smoothly and were not affected by the ceiling collapse.
JKR to probe Serdang Hospital ceiling collapse
isabellelai@thestar.com.my
No comments:
Post a Comment