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{
    "id": 800609,
    "url": "https://info.mzalendo.com/api/v0.1/hansard/entries/800609/?format=api",
    "text_counter": 169,
    "type": "speech",
    "speaker_name": "Sen. Kwamboka",
    "speaker_title": "",
    "speaker": {
        "id": 9246,
        "legal_name": "Beatrice Kwamboka Makori",
        "slug": "beatrice-kwamboka-makori"
    },
    "content": "Thank you, Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir. Pursuant to Standing Order No.46(2)(a), I rise to make a statement on an issue of general topical concern regarding the rise in the number of collapsing buildings in the country. I make this statement because a number of buildings crumbling due to structural defects, among other causes, have become rampant in the country, leaving a trail of death and destruction. People have been injured. Scores of people have been left homeless and others have lost their lives. These incidents have raise questions on whether the requisite construction standards were observed. Mr. Deputy Speaker, Sir, a number of causes have been attributed to the collapse of buildings, including corruption, leading government officers to approve construction without requisite standards being met. Others are lack of coordination and inaction by government officers, poor workmanship, inadequate supervision, inspection and monitoring of the construction processes, use of substandard material, poor designs, and inadequate documented policies, systems and procedures governing national and country governments in addressing the issue. There is need for immediate inspection and testing of the material and standards used in manufacture of building material. There is further need for inspection of all buildings to ascertain their sustainability for habitation. Urgent action is required to enforce building standards at all times in building environments, safety and demolition of substandard buildings so as to avoid further loss of lives, property and injuries. Further, all those found culpable should be brought to book. I, therefore, wish to draw the attention of the Senate to this, and appeal to the national Government, in conjunction with the county governments to interrogate this situation and consider giving priority to building quality control, reinforce laws relating to standards of building, build legal capacity and strengthen the inspectorate to instill compliance with standards. They should also follow through notices once issued to the owners of the risky buildings."
}