Kampala Buildings Face Earthquake Safety Audit

Authorities in Uganda have launched a critical safety evaluation of more than 80,000 structures across the Greater Kampala metropolitan area. The primary objective is to ascertain how well these buildings would withstand seismic activity and pinpoint any that pose a risk to public safety.

This directive was formally announced by the Minister of Works and Transport, Fred Byamukama, during the commencement of the “Uganda Rapid Visual Screening Programme for Earthquake Resilience in Greater Kampala.” The initiative will see engineers and other building experts meticulously assessing the vulnerability of various constructions.

The screening process will initially focus on densely populated zones, such as Katanga and Kiseni, before expanding to other regions identified as susceptible to earthquakes. The findings are intended to provide the government with the necessary data to implement targeted interventions, which could range from reinforcing existing structures to the demolition of those deemed an immediate danger.

Teams involved in the assessment have been given a two-month deadline to submit an initial report detailing the condition of the buildings and their respective earthquake risk levels. The National Building Review Board is supporting this effort, having recently trained graduates from Makerere University, Kampala International University, Nkumba University, and Kabale University in the Rapid Visual Screening methodology.

Officials also voiced concerns regarding the inconsistent enforcement of building regulations, suggesting that some local authorities may be approving construction plans without adequate site inspections. This, coupled with potential corruption and poor supervision, could heighten the risk of building collapses. The assessment is also slated to eventually include other earthquake-prone areas like Mbarara, Fort Portal, and Hoima.

This comprehensive audit is a key component of the government’s broader strategy to enhance disaster risk reduction and bolster public safety, in line with Executive Order No. 1 of 2023.

Source: Nile Post