Developers not solely to blame for collapsing buildings

NAIROBI: By now many have made and broken their New Year’s resolutions, but for most life goes on as usual. However, as I write this, rescue efforts are still ongoing at the collapsed building in Huruma, Nairobi.

Less than a month ago, the discussion on nearly all platforms was about another collapsed building in Kaloleni, again in Nairobi, that claimed the lives of eight people, injuring dozens and shattering the lives of even more.

Survivors speak with mixed feelings, happy that they are still alive, but lost as to where they will start rebuilding their lives. Everyone in these buildings lost a part of them, even if many escaped with their lives.

This week, again, the debate is on the safety of buildings in many urban centres. Previous statistics have shown that an earthquake would totally devastate Nairobi with three in four buildings likely to come down.

When the Huruma bulding came tumbling down, the script was the same. Government agency heads and representatives made hollow promises and rushed to the ground to address the press as rescuers worked in the background. The best advice I have heard so far is from those who have told those affected to sue everyone responsible. It is about time those seated in planning offices bore responsibility for their errors of omission and commission. The business of pointing fingers at developers reeks of officials not willing to acknowledge they are not doing their job.

Unfortunately many times those affected are from the lower income cadre and after TV pundits have had their say and State officials released their statements, they will be left alone, until another building collapses and the script is dusted off for another performance.