Uthiru building collapse: City architects, engineers to face the music

Nairobi Governor Johnson Sakaja has fired warning shots at City architects and engineers who are suspected to have approved the collapsed building in Uthiru.

Speaking during ground breaking of the first public Hospital in Mlango Kubwa in Mathare, the City Chief put on notice architects and engineers whose names are used by contractors in construction sites that they will be accountable for any eventuality.

“If there is any officer from City Hall who approved the construction of the said building, action will be taken, Sakaja said.

Sakaja, however, lauded his team for swift response led by the disaster management Chief officer Bram Simiyu, confirming all the tenants were evacuated and the place has been marked as a crime scene.

He, further, reiterated that the building is currently cordoned off by NCA, Redcross, NBID and City Hall officers.

In new directives, Sakaja has also ordered an audit of all buildings constructed in the city over the last two years. The audit follows feedback that his administration has been receiving from stakeholders within the Built Environment sector.

The Governor has also temporarily suspended the issuance of new building plan approvals and excavations in ongoing construction sites.

“We have also suspended undertaking of Excavations at Construction Sites as this would compromise the structural integrity and safety of adjourning buildings due to the ongoing heavy rains,” Sakaja directed.

The audit will begin on May 13. The Governor said the multi-agency committee tasked to undertake the audit will have between 30 to 60 days to conclude the process and submit a report for implementation.