The Institution of Engineers in Kenya (IEK) faulted the poor foundation of the eight-storey building that collapsed on Monday, November 7, in Tassia, Embakasi.
According to the engineers, the building lacked a proper foundation and was not strong enough to hold the weight.Ā
“When a building like this collapses, the first thing that comes to mind is it was not strong enough. The foundation and the entire support system should be questioned,”Ā the institution’s vice chairperson, Grace Muthoni, stated on Tuesday, November 8.Ā
“If the design was not done properly, then the contractor failed toĀ follow the house design. There are so many questions to be asked in these situations,” she added.
Notably, no casualties were reported, but scores were feared to have been trapped inside the debris.Ā
Rescue operations were conducted by the police officers from the adjacent Kwa Ndege station and members of the Red Cross.
From the photos shared online, the building under construction caved in, collapsing into the lower floors, which had been completed and had occupants.
The engineers noted that developers need to be educated on the proper building construction standards.Ā
“From IEK with a database of about 10,000 engineers who can give proper guidelines from the decision, construction, and finishing to give you a house that stays strong for at least 50 years,” she added.
The government was urged to place better measures to reduce the number of collapsing buildings.
Muthoni lamented that it was unfortunate that human lives were compromised by individuals whoĀ failed to follow the guidelines.
“In a case like this, we need to look at the root of the problem. We need to incorporate other stakeholders to prevent such accidents,” she concluded.
Source: kENYANS.CO.KE
