Jamaica is currently experiencing a construction boom, but does not have an up-to-date Building Code. The present legal code, which dates back to 1902, was updated in 1983 as a policy document and is therefore not enforceable. Furthermore, given the devastation which obtained in the 1907 earthquake, there is not an overwhelming degree of confidence being expressed in the current but unenforceable code. A Caribbean Uniform Building Code (CUBiC) developed in 1985, reportedly has yet to be made a legal document and also remains merely a guideline. .
The true import of this situation was recently highlighted by former ODPEM Director General Dr Barbara Carby, who warned that if Jamaica were to be affected by a major earthquake, there would be a “high probability of structurally unsafe homes and public buildings due to improper building practices and the lack of an enforced building code". Speaking at the annual ODPEM National Disaster Management Conference, held in Montego Bay, Dr Carby, who is now Director of Hazard Management in the Cayman Islands, pointed out that building without expert advice and the absence of an enforceable building code were key factors that would elevate the level of loss in Jamaica, in the event of a major earthquake.
This matter is of particular import to persons living in the Seymour Lands, Trafalgar Park and the residential sections of New Kingston as well as most urban centres across the island. This, as the housing stock in these areas was constructed from the 1950’s upwards and therefore such construction was guided by the unenforceable building code of 1902. Of particular interest is the fact that buildings in Jamaica, at least prior to Hurricane Gilbert in September 1988, were designed to withstand winds of 120mph which in light of recent experiences would suggest the need for an upgrade in construction standards, to withstand at least wind speeds of 160 mph. Similar considerations would be applicable to glass, which is an increasingly popular construction item used for windows and sliding doors.
Building codes, such as the International Building Code which governs the construction industry in the USA, are updated every three (3) years, but in the absence of this, Jamaican professionals are using at their discretion the codes with which they find favour. Indeed, Jamaican professionals are reportedly guided by the British Standard, the American Concrete Institute, the Structural Engineers Association of California, the American Society for Testing Material and the International Building Code (IBC), and CUBiC among others.
Industry experts note, that the International Building Code addresses the climatic and cultural norms as obtains in Jamaica, with regards to hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding and therefore is a good base platform to use to develop Jamaica’s National Building Code. Such a code they note also addresses the need for additional training and provides accreditation for Building Inspectors.
Whereas it is obvious that there is an urgent need for an updated National Building Code, it is apparent that there is also need for a massive retrofitting exercise, relating to the bulk of the housing stock in Jamaica. Whereas, the ability to effect such alterations as may be required, will be determined by an ability to pay, there is need for policy direction in this regard. As time is of the essence, the luxury of political posturing and engaging in long meaningless debates is not possible in this process and it’s therefore time for decisive leadership.
The true import of this situation was recently highlighted by former ODPEM Director General Dr Barbara Carby, who warned that if Jamaica were to be affected by a major earthquake, there would be a “high probability of structurally unsafe homes and public buildings due to improper building practices and the lack of an enforced building code". Speaking at the annual ODPEM National Disaster Management Conference, held in Montego Bay, Dr Carby, who is now Director of Hazard Management in the Cayman Islands, pointed out that building without expert advice and the absence of an enforceable building code were key factors that would elevate the level of loss in Jamaica, in the event of a major earthquake.
This matter is of particular import to persons living in the Seymour Lands, Trafalgar Park and the residential sections of New Kingston as well as most urban centres across the island. This, as the housing stock in these areas was constructed from the 1950’s upwards and therefore such construction was guided by the unenforceable building code of 1902. Of particular interest is the fact that buildings in Jamaica, at least prior to Hurricane Gilbert in September 1988, were designed to withstand winds of 120mph which in light of recent experiences would suggest the need for an upgrade in construction standards, to withstand at least wind speeds of 160 mph. Similar considerations would be applicable to glass, which is an increasingly popular construction item used for windows and sliding doors.
Building codes, such as the International Building Code which governs the construction industry in the USA, are updated every three (3) years, but in the absence of this, Jamaican professionals are using at their discretion the codes with which they find favour. Indeed, Jamaican professionals are reportedly guided by the British Standard, the American Concrete Institute, the Structural Engineers Association of California, the American Society for Testing Material and the International Building Code (IBC), and CUBiC among others.
Industry experts note, that the International Building Code addresses the climatic and cultural norms as obtains in Jamaica, with regards to hurricanes, earthquakes and flooding and therefore is a good base platform to use to develop Jamaica’s National Building Code. Such a code they note also addresses the need for additional training and provides accreditation for Building Inspectors.
Whereas it is obvious that there is an urgent need for an updated National Building Code, it is apparent that there is also need for a massive retrofitting exercise, relating to the bulk of the housing stock in Jamaica. Whereas, the ability to effect such alterations as may be required, will be determined by an ability to pay, there is need for policy direction in this regard. As time is of the essence, the luxury of political posturing and engaging in long meaningless debates is not possible in this process and it’s therefore time for decisive leadership.
1 comment:
Thank you for posting your very interesting article. Keep up the excellent work.
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