Business
New building code for Jamaica
The new code, which should be in place by next year, will be vigorously enforced, says the State Minister with responsibility for Local Government.
State Minister with responsibility for Local Government Shahine Robinson, has announced plans for a new building code next year, and the associated planning and legislation for its enforcement.
She said the Department of Local Government is currently undertaking the necessary preparatory work to promulgate a “new and more effective” code and the attendant legislation, “to ensure that this new code will be vigorously enforced.”
Robinson expressed concern over bad building practices carried in some communities, which she described as a “disaster waiting to happen”.
As a result, she said there is need for the nation to be more proactive in ensuring that such habits are discontinued.
“The building code is a very important piece of legislation, because it will prevent persons from building in areas that are prone to natural disasters. We are talking about hazard mitigation; we want to stop disasters before they occur,” Robinson said.
Citing predictions that the 2011 Atlantic hurricane season which ends on November 30 will be an active one, she stressed the need for the nation to “stand united” in light of what could result, while assuring that “reducing the vulnerability of our communities to the effects of natural disasters, is a top priority of the Government.”
Source: Caribbean360