Reyes said numerous repairs and renovations had been made, but the Capital Hill building can no longer withstand extreme weather, particularly its roof.
Recently the roof of the speaker’s conference room was repaired to seal the leaks.
The contractor and Brian Smith of the Technical Service Division of the Department of Public Works discovered more leaky parts and potential cranks for leaks that should be addressed, Reyes said.
“Despite the fact that multiple concrete roof waterproofing and repairs were made, leaks still remain throughout the building,” she wrote to DPW Secretary Diego Songsong.
The contractor, which was not named in the letter, recommended a complete removal and replacement of all existing membranes to successfully fix the leaks.
“Unless this is done, leaks throughout the building will continue and eventually these leaks will cause water damage to fixtures, furniture and electronic equipment. Most importantly, the leaks will create hazardous working conditions for the legislative members and employees and will jeopardize the safety of the building’s visitors as well,” Reyes told Songsong.
She said the LB may be able to procure some materials and supplies for the project but it cannot fully finance the scope of work needed.
“I am therefore urgently requesting the assistance of the Department of Public Works and respectfully requesting that the urgent repairs be prioritized at the earliest possible time,” she told the DPW secretary.
The Legislature’s building was named Vice Speaker Jesus P. Mafnas Memorial Building after he became the first lawmaker to die in office.
Mafnas, R-Saipan, passed away on May 21, 1995 in a plane crash that also claimed the life of businessman Larry Hillblom and his pilot.
