Pacific MMI building ‘safe’

 By TAUNA GEORGE

THE Mineral Resources Development says the Pacific MMI building has been declared safe for occupancy after defects had been fixed.

The company said in a statement that the National Capital District Commission health officials inspected the building in downtown Port Moresby on Jan 22 and lifted its notice condemning it.

It says the building is now safe for tenants and the general public.

It was clarifying the company’s position in regards to the state of affairs of Pacific Property Trust following the condemnation of the Pacific MMI Building by the NCDC health division as reported in The National. 

MRDC took over the Trust in June 2014. 

The Trust began operation in 2003 with Melanesian Trustee Services Ltd and Pacific Equities and Investments Ltd being the trustee and manager, respectively until June 10, 2014.

Between 2003 and June 2014, the commercial properties held by the Trust and under the stewardship of the two entities were the Pacific Place Building, in downtown, Pacific MMI Building in downtown, the vacant land adjacent to the Pacific MMI Building and the ANZ Haus in Lae.

MRDC undertook energy and electrical audit, fire and emergency audit, air conditioning system audit, lift upgrade and structural tests. 

The audits exposed defects and flaws on the core infrastructure, posing significant risks to the occupants and the general public. 

It was recommended that an overall upgrade of the electrical appliances and equipment be carried out.

In March 2015, MRDC carried out an energy upgrade for both buildings, costing K6.63 million. It was completed last December.