The issue with the archives was thought to be under control with the tunnel construction in full swing, but it only took a small sign (cracks appeared on October 25th on the façade of the Théâtre de la Photographie et de l’Image as well as in the apartments above, which have widened by 7 mm since) for the alarm to be raised and for the opposition to this project—politically and legally defeated in various appeals—to puff up their chests once more and launch another attack: “We told you so,” they proclaim.
An investigation has been requested from the company responsible for the work, and while awaiting this, the work is (more or less) under surveillance.
At present, no conclusion can be drawn except the most obvious one: despite the use of advanced technologies, digging a tunnel means causing vibrations in the ground and spreading them around. This is the very principle of earthquakes, currently in the spotlight in neighboring Italy.
After all, it depends on the condition of the affected buildings: are they solid if not earthquake-resistant?
If every precaution must be considered, one cannot halt such a large public project for a crack or cracks in a wall, however large or small they may be.
In this case, the situation should be addressed through insurance and handling damages to avoid the classic scenario of the situation escalating into lengthy and complicated litigation where each party tries to benefit. Insurers searching for loopholes to avoid payment or shifting responsibility to the construction companies, which in turn do the same with subcontractors…
Those being compensated sometimes take advantage of this to get reimbursed for other damages unrelated to the incident, like going to the auto body shop to repair a scratch hoping to get a newly refurbished car paid for!
In public works, there are technical constraints that involve real risks, which neither urgent communication nor street art at the construction sites can entirely deflect.
So, Mr. President of the Metropolis, beware of subterfuges! And ladies and gentlemen of the opposition, do not seek improbable revenge by diving into this… breach.
