Amid ongoing heavy rains nationwide, the National Construction Authority (NCA) has implemented new measures to safeguard individuals and property. All new construction works, particularly those near waterways, have been suspended. Additionally, the NCA has ordered the immediate cessation of all ongoing construction activities during rainfall.
“Safety should always take precedence over work progress during severe weather conditions,” the NCA said in a notice .
The NCA emphasized the importance of preparedness and proactive planning in minimizing the impact of heavy rains, noting widespread flooding in many areas.
Additionally, it mandated the exclusion of children and non-essential individuals from construction sites, boundary walls, and potentially compromised structures. Furthermore, the authority stressed the necessity of training construction workers in safety protocols tailored to rainy weather conditions, including the correct utilization of personal protective equipment (PPE) and emergency response procedures.
“Do not work at heights or in deep excavations without proper safety equipment and precautions in place;
“Monitor excavations closely during rainy periods to prevent slope failures and cave-ins due to increased moisture content in the soil. The correct excavation methodology must be applied at all times to ensure the safety of the site, construction workers and neighboring properties,” NCA added.
The NCA also stressed the importance of regular inspection and reinforcement of temporary structures like scaffolding and shoring to withstand heavy rains and strong winds. Additionally, it recommended scheduling concrete pouring during low precipitation periods to maintain the quality of the concrete mix.
Furthermore, the authority highlighted the necessity of informing construction workers about weather forecasts and potential hazards like flash floods to enable informed decisions regarding work activities and site operations.
“The Authority 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.”
Additionally, the NCA urged the public to inspect buildings and boundary walls for signs of structural damage after heavy rains or floods, including cracks, water intrusion, electrical hazards, leaning structures, and debris blockage on drainage structures. Any observed issues should be promptly reported to the relevant authorities for inspection or advice. Unfortunately, the flooding has resulted in 229 fatalities and forced thousands of individuals to evacuate their homes. Furthermore, reports indicate several buildings sinking, necessitating evacuations.
