The National Construction Authority (NCA) has issued a directive on construction works in the country ordering the cessation of new construction activities at the onset of heavy rains and flooding in the country.
In a statement, NCA Executive Director Maurice Akech on Saturday, May 4, 2024, issued the directive saying that new construction works, especially works near waterways and new excavations, should be halted.
Eng Akech said that this move is aimed at prioritizing safety in the face of increased risks posed by heavy rains.
The director pointed out that excavation in moist conditions poses a risk of failure which could result in fatal injuries of workers.
“When rainfall begins, all outdoor works should cease immediately, especially for tasks conducted at heights or in deep excavations. Unsecured deep excavations could lead to slope instability and failure, especially with increased moisture and water content which poses a risk of burial or injury to workers,” he stated.
He further advised that workers should seek shelter indoors or in designated safe areas until the weather improves during rains.
According to the director, extreme rains could potentially lead to weak temporary structures in a construction site which could lead to collapse and potentially injure workers.
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“Safety should always take precedence over work progress during severe weather conditions,” he said.
NCA Directive on Construction
NCA in a statement on May 3 had issued an advisory on construction works amid the prevailing inclement weather and its effects.
The Authority listed potential dangers of heavy rainfall and floods on construction works and the mitigation measures against the effects.
Among the potential dangers outlined by the Authority include structurally weakened structures and slope failure.
Other dangers listed were substandard concrete mix, lightning strikes, scaffold compromise and increased likelihood of accidents on site.
According to NCA, compromised foundation soil properties from rainwater percolation may lead to the collapse of structures posing a direct threat to anyone nearby:
“Heavy rains during concreting can alter water/cement ratios, resulting in substandard concrete mixtures that compromise structural integrity, posing a risk of collapse leading to injury or loss of lives,” said NCA.
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The Authority further warned that heavy rains and the heavy presence of metal on construction sites increase the risk of lightning strikes.
These strikes pose a threat of electrocution, fires, or explosions, particularly to workers near tall structures such as cranes and scaffolding.
In response to the heightened risks posed by heavy rainfall in the construction sector, NCA ordered all parties in a construction site to prioritize safety to persons and property.
Proactive measures against heavy rains and floods
This is by undertaking proactive measures which include keeping children and non-essential persons away from construction sites.
Also listed among the precautions were training of workers on safety protocols, ensuring personal protective equipment is always used and monitoring excavations.
Further NCA announced that it has been carrying out enhanced quality assurance activities on all ongoing constructions across the country since the onset of the rainy season.
“The Authority is also collaborating with other government agencies to respond to emergencies and map out flood prone and riparian areas,” added NCA.
Members of public on the other hand were strongly advised to check buildings and boundary walls after heavy rains or floods for any signs of structural damage.
These include cracks, water intrusion, electrical hazards, leaning structures and debris blockage on drainage structures.
They should further alert the relevant authorities for inspection and advice in case of any structural damage.
The directive by NCA comes at a time raging rains have caused widespread devastation with floods and landslides reported across the country leaving behind mass fatalities and destruction.
According to the Kenya Meteorological Department, the rains are set to continue for the rest of the month of May.
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