A big apartment building close to completion near world heritage A-Bomb Dome

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A big apartment building close to completion near world heritage A-Bomb Dome

In defiance of strong opposition from Hibakusha and local residents, a 14-story apartment building is under construction only 100 meters away from and within the designated buffer zone of the Hiroshima Atomic Bomb Dome, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The construction is expected to be completed in this month.

This case has raised questions about the administration of urban-development projects as well as corporate social responsibility in preserving world heritages.

Since December of last year when residents and Hibakusha (A-bomb survivors) became aware of the construction of the building, they have made representations to relevant builders as well as the Hiroshima City government to cancel the construction of the building which towers over the A-Bomb Dome.

In March, Mayor Akiba Tadatoshi in the city assembly expressed his intention to seek an ordinance to restrict the height of buildings as soon as possible. Though the mayor requested the builders to reconsider the construction plan, the city government response had been too slow.

Responding to Hibakusha's growing concern about the city's delay in dealing with the matter, a UNESCO World Heritage Center official repeatedly requested the Japanese government to explain the situation.

Hibakusha's appeal for the preservation of the environment around the A-Bomb Dome has gained support from many public figures. The 2006 World Conference against A and H Bombs adopted a resolution calling for the protection of the world heritage A-Bomb Dome site.
- Akahata, October 30, 2006