Benguet provincial engineer Aning Binayan has recommended the erection of a new building to replace the decades-old provincial prosecutor’s office that is slowly being eaten up by termites at its foundations.

In a note forwarded to Gov. Nestor Fongwan, Binayan also proposed the immediate relocation of the building to prevent any incident that may arise due to the condition of the structure.

The two-story building, made entirely of wood, was built in the 1960s, and was the only remaining structure left by the old Mountain Province provincial set-up that used to incorporate the sub-provinces of Benguet, Mountain Province, Ifugao, and Kalinga-Apayao.

Provincial fiscal William Bacoling has earlier requested for the renovation or repair of the building, prompting the provincial engineer’s office to inspect the building.

The inspection, conducted by Engr. Hector Fernando, showed that the building has weakened interior structures, with interior columns infested by termites and wooden beams and flooring boards already rotten.

Fernando said cracks and breaks are noticeable on the concrete floor in the first floor  while the comfort rooms are clogged or leaking and are dilapidated or in a state of disrepair.

The roofing sheets and gutters are rusted and have caused rain water to leak to the ceilings, affecting some documents stacked in the corridors for lack of office space.

Fernando has estimated that the amount of P2.5 million is needed to renovate the building but other capitol sources said additional amount may have to be appropriated if a new building will have to be built.