Dangerous buildings to be brought down

A large number of buildings could be demolished if local authorities execute orders given on Monday by deputy Prime Minister Musalia Mudavadi.

Targeted are structures built in violation of council by-laws, including residential flats beyond five storeys that are not fitted with elevators.

Mr Mudavadi gave the order in the wake of fatal incidents in which buildings have collapsed while under construction.

A five-storey building collapsed in Nairobi’s Lang’ata estate on Sunday, injuring six people barely a week after four people died and 14 others were injured in a similar incident in Embakasi.

The minister ordered an audit of all buildings to establish those that were built in disregard of the rules.

“Buildings will be subsequently marked and then what will follow will be demolition,” said Mr Mudavadi, the Local Government minister.

He was speaking to journalists at Lang’ata, the site where the latest tragedy occurred. People living in “dangerous” buildings would also be warned to vacate.

“With the audit, you can move and inspect the structures that people are living in and forewarn them; if it’s a dangerous unit, exit. That’s how it is going to be,” said Mr Mudavadi.

Illegal buildings include residential flats that are higher than five floors yet are not served by elevators.

“The law says you cannot go beyond fifth floor. You are supposed to have a lift. You will find people want to build structures going to six storeys high. That is illegal.

“There is an audit process and you will see a lot of markings and enforcement notices will be issued,” the minister said.

The audit would also target corrupt council official who accepted bribes and approved illegal structures.

“There is going to be a lot of investigation. Inspectors will answer a lot of questions. If they have erred, there are disciplinary measures within their terms of employment; dismissal, there could be surcharge and if there is a criminal aspect they will be charged according to the law,” he said.

The minister condemned the collapsed building, saying it was on a road reserve.

“This is a highway. This area was not earmarked as plots. We will follow up with Lands as there is no access road,” he said.