Industry News

Architects Push for Inspection of Building Materials

It has emerged that some of the materials in the market are sub-standard.

Updated on

July 4, 2011

building materials — Substandard materials have often been blamed for construction accidents. PHOTO | FILE

The Architectural Association of Kenya (AAK) is pushing for the inspection of construction materials after it emerged that some of the materials in the market were sub-standard.

Addressing journalists on Friday at a Nairobi hotel, AAK chairman Stephen Oundo said it was time construction materials in the market were evaluated to ensure they meet the quality set by the Kenya Bureau of Standards.

“Impunity remains a major factor contributing to the unfortunate incidents that have occurred within the building sector,” said Mr Oundo.

Mr Oundo was referring to the recent collapse of two buildings that were under construction in Nairobi’s Embakasi and Lang’ata estates, where four people were killed and scores injured.

AAK also wants professionals only to be involved in the audit of all buildings in urban areas to determine their structural fitness.

The team of professionals, Mr Oundo said, should comprise registered architects, engineers, land surveyors, environmentalists, physical planners, public health and fire fitness officers.

Mr Oundo said structures with inadequate structural strength should be demolished and appropriate corrective measures taken on structures that have rectifiable weaknesses.