Sakaja: Only buildings that are approved will be built
Nairobi Governor Sakaja Johnson has called on developers in the building industry to ensure they work closely with professionals in obtaining approvals and supervision during construction.
The governor also said only approved buildings will be built in Nairobi. Sakaja’s remarks come a few days after Architectural Association of Kenya said there are more than 90 buildings that are unsafe in Nairobi.
The governor said there is need for professionals such as urban planners, architects, surveyors and structural engineers to be consulted and engaged during construction.
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“Lack of involvement of professionals before and during construction has led to tenants losing their lives. Innocent lives have been lost because of such ignorance,” Governor Sakaja said.
Unscrupulous developers have been known to disengage from the service of key professionals, without notice, once approved by necessary authorities. This has in the past led to the loss of lives and property in collapsed buildings.
The Governor has also said developers who do not observe standards, those who avoid involving professionals and those found cutting corners that they will be charged in accordance with the law.
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“Before anything is approved in this city it will be your responsibility to ensure standards are adhered to. We shall not allow illegal development in the city and private developers involved in illegalities will be prosecuted. We must visualize the Nairobi we want in the future and realize this vision, build the Nairobi we want,” Sakaja said.
“We know developers sometimes opt to let go of professionals after the approval process, cutting costs, we cannot accept this. As members of the committee, I call on you to ensure what is approved is what is built,” the governor added.
Sakaja also called on the public to report developers who continue to build even when buildings have been flagged by government agencies. This come a few days after a building in Kasarani collapsed killing three people and injuring several others.
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