As Kampala City continues to grow and transform, questions have arisen about the compliance and safety of its buildings. Are these structures constructed to meet the necessary standards? Are they able to withstand the test of time and provide a secure environment for their occupants?
Sadly, recent events have shed light on the challenges faced by the building sector in Kampala. About two year ago, on 15th September 2021, a devastating incident occurred when a building in Kisenyi, down town Kampala collapsed and claimed six lives and caused extensive damage. Just last month another building collapsed in Kansanga, Makindye division, killing one person and injuring four others.
These tragic events serve as a wakeup call, revealing the urgent need for a comprehensive approach to address the issues plaguing the city’s buildings. One of the discoveries to incident was noncompliance and use of materials that were not up to standard.
In response to these challenges, a ray of hope emerges in the form of the Kampala City Building Control Baraza. This event is set to take place this Friday, the 23rd of June, at the Bat Valley Primary School Playgrounds. It aims to be a pivotal moment where stakeholders come together to find sustainable solutions for Kampala’s building sector.
One of the key players in this endeavor is the National Building Review Board (NBRB). This regulatory body is tasked with ensuring compliance with building codes, standards, and regulations. With their expertise, they play a vital role in identifying potential risks, assessing building designs, and conducting inspections to verify compliance. By engaging with the NBRB the issues of compliance and safety, fostering a culture of responsible building practices, will be addressed.
Additionally, the Baraza recognizes the significance of physical planning committees and building committees. These committees play an instrumental role in overseeing the development and execution of building projects. They ensure adherence to regulations, conduct inspections, and ensure that proper procedures are followed throughout the construction process. Their active involvement ensures that every building project aligns with the highest standards of quality and safety.
One of the crucial aspects highlighted in the Baraza is the implementation of the Building Industry Management System (BIMS). BIMS is a digitized platform through which a developer can apply for building and occupation permits, commit the services of registered professionals, schedule for routine building inspection, pay building control fees and get instant feedback for the services requested for online. This system provides a framework for effective coordination and collaboration among stakeholders in the building industry. It encompasses processes, procedures, and tools to streamline communication, enhance accountability, and foster a culture of continuous improvement. By embracing this system, we can raise the bar for building practices and create a more robust and resilient built environment.
The Kampala City Building Control Baraza brings together a diverse range of stakeholders who share a common goal building a safer and more sustainable Kampala. Organizations such as Kampala Capital City Authority (KCCA), Engineers Registration Board (ERB), National Physical Planning Board (NPPB) Architects Registration Board (ARB) and Surveyors Registration Board (SRB), are actively participating, contributing their expertise, and bringing valuable perspectives to the table. Their collective efforts demonstrate a commitment to transforming Kampala’s building sector and ensuring a bright future for the city.
The call to the public, professionals, and enthusiasts is to attend the Kampala City Building Control Baraza. It is an opportunity to engage in meaningful discussions, exchange ideas, and contribute to the shaping of a better built environment in Kampala. Let us come together to address the challenges we face, learn from recent incidents, and collectively strive towards a future where compliance, safety, and sustainable development go hand in hand.
Join us this Friday, the 23rd of June, at Bat Valley Primary School Playgrounds.
Together, we can build a brighter and safe future for Kampala.