Developers to test building materials on City Hall orders

Rescuers search for survivors after a building collapsed killing six people and injuring scores at Makongeni in Nairobi recently. PHOTO | WILLIAM OERI 

By KIARIE NJOROGE, gkiarie@ke.nationmedia.com

In Summary

• The reports from the labs will form part of the requirements for those seeking building approvals from the county.
• The new directive is aimed at preventing the collapse of buildings as witnessed this month in Makongeni estate, where six people died and several others were injured.

All building materials for construction in Nairobi will now be subjected to testing at City Hall-approved private labs to verify their suitability before any work begins.

The new directive issued Monday by the county government is aimed at preventing the collapse of buildings as witnessed this month in Makongeni estate, where six people died and several others were injured.

The reports from the labs will form part of the requirements for those seeking building approvals from the county.

Property developers will meet the cost of the tests in a period that has seen real estate developers face increased regulatory charges from county governments, the National Environment Management Authority and the National Construction Authority of Kenya.

“Upon completion of the test and results issued, the site engineer will submit the results and declaration confirming intended use of the materials to the Nairobi City County government,” said governor Evans Kidero.

“Where there would be proof of deviation from the materials tested and declared by the site engineer; disciplinary action will be instituted against them.”

This includes deregistration of errant contractors and engineers and possible criminal charges where applicable. Nairobi has seen several fatal building collapses in recent years, with the speed of construction and poor quality of materials generally to blame.

The city is the site of a frenetic building boom due in large part to the rapid expansion of the middle class over the past years.

A special construction audit and enforcement team has been set up to rein in unauthorised development targeting both the developers and contractors.

The team, which will incorporate major utility organisations (power, water and sewerage companies), the National Construction Authority and the county security committee will be launched early next month.

The inclusion of the utility companies is meant to ensure that newly built or under-construction buildings that are not approved will not receive power, water or sewerage services.

The exclusion of these services would deal a blow to big developments like residential flats that would be hard-pressed to find tenants.

“A building is a system that has a mechanical, electrical, plumbing system. It’s a complete system. You cannot isolate plumbing or electrical works for an unregistered building. It has to be all approved,” said Planning and Housing executive Tom Odongo.

The county, however, did not explain what action it would take against those buildings that are unapproved but already enjoy these services.

Mr Odongo said the county would conduct a comprehensive audit of the buildings in the city and develop a database for those that are certified as unsafe for occupation.