The public should submit information on any building with cracks, buckling columns, vibrating floor slabs or uneven settlement of foundation/FILE
In a statement, County Secretary Lillian Ndegwa emphasised that they should submit information on any building with cracks, buckling columns, vibrating floor slabs or uneven settlement of foundation.
She further indicated that they should be on the lookout for buildings which are damp, have poor ventilation, narrow fire exits and door openings.
“In the recent past, Nairobi experienced collapse of two buildings in Makongeni and Huruma that led to unnecessary loss of lives and property. The collapse of these two buildings took place against a background of increased lack of compliance to Building Code and Planning Regulations culminating in uncertainty of the safety of most of the existing buildings and those under construction,” she stated.
She pointed out that City Hall will commence a construction audit starting from January 22 that will cover the areas that have been identified as high risk due to characteristics of the buildings constructed and occupancy of the structures.
“This situation underscores the mandatory statutory stipulations for all buildings in the county to be re-assessed in compliance with the Building Code and Planning Regulations for assurance of their safety, habitability and environmental health quality,” she stated.
READ: Huruma building collapse death toll rises to 4
She explained that a survey has already been carried out on high risk areas which include Huruma, Mathare North, Makongeni/Kaloleni, Embakasi Pipeline, Tassia II and III, Kayole, Kariobangi Light Industries and Baba Dogo.
“A reconnaissance survey has been undertaken and has identified the localities with high incidences of unauthorised developments, safety risks and poorly constructed inhabitable buildings,” she revealed.
Other areas to be covered include Dandora, Kawangware, Kangemi, Zimmerman, Githurai and Mwiki/Kasarani.
She called on developers to cooperate during the exercise as it will ensure that safety standards are adhered to all the time which curtails loss of life as a result of negligence or poorly constructed buildings.
“The developers are required to provide access and secure tenants’ co-operation to the audit teams. Further the owners of the buildings are expected to address the issues that may be noted by the team and agreed on for purposes of bringing the building stands to conform to Building Code and Planning Regulations,” she said.
“This will be through preparation and implementation of a regularisation plan and the subsequent acceptance of the development resulting to issuance of occupation certificates.”
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