There were no specific reports of damage, although Yangon Region did experience the impact of the Mandalay earthquake on March 28. However, some high-rise buildings experienced more repercussions, and KER (Kabar Aye Executive Residence) along the Kabaraye Pagoda Road is one such building. Residents on multiple floors reported cracks on their walls and ceilings following the quake. The residents are now concerned with their safety and the natural disaster prevention measures.
A total of 115 rooms of the three-storey basement and 26-storey of KER condominium have been sold out, and the expansion of 10 rooms at car parking of the seventh floor, at the garden area of the eighth floor and the public area of 27th floor, totalling 130 rooms, cause huge concern for the residents who faced the impact of earthquake.
“Due to visible cracks appearing in nearly every unit on each floor, the performance of certain structural components has become a cause for concern among the residents. Following the earthquake, there is a need for immediate notification and proper inspection, and it is also essential to form a joint condominium management committee that includes unit owners to handle matters related to the condominium. The intention is to ensure that any damage caused by natural disasters can be addressed quickly and efficiently. However, the absence of a reliable seismic inspection and certification has raised safety concerns among those living in the building. The expansion beyond the originally designated number of units has exceeded the condominium’s structural capacity, which may have contributed to the damage,” said Maung Maung, one KER’s resident.
KER includes facilities such as elevators up to the 26th floor, a designated helipad, underground car parking, commercial floors and restaurants, parking, residential units, while the 21F is reserved for yoga rooms, a swimming pool, and a fitness centre. Floors 22F to 26F are designated for penthouses and duplex penthouses. The services promised by the developer have not yet been fully provided, and KER’s officials need to address the issues resulting from the impact of the recent earthquake.
KER is constructed by A1 Construction Company. A1 construction is also the main contractor for building most of the 4 storey government quarters in the ‘2’ series estate (in Nay Pyi Taw), where almost all had collapsed during the quake.
