Extra powers to NCA will not solve sub-substandard buildings cases

Granting powers to the National Construction Authority (NCA) will not solve the issues of sub-substandard buildings cases according to Cytonn Investments.

Cytonn Real Estate in its weekly commentary raises concerns about the crumbling structures in the country that has prompted the construction industry to seek powers to arrest and prosecute the owners of buildings flagged as risky.

The National Construction Authority (NCA), is seeking an amendment to the Construction Act to give it the powers to arrest and prosecute developers and reduce its reliance on other entities in the administration of its duties.

NCA  is guided by the National Construction Authority Act _No. 41 of 2011, which gives its powers to, among others, award certificates of proficiency to contractors, skilled construction workers and construction site supervisors.

“The regulator is, therefore, requesting for an amendment of the Act to ensure self-sufficiency in execution of its constitutional mandate with increased vigilance,” notes Cytonn Investments

“In our view, this move even if granted, will not solve the issues of sub-substandard buildings cases since such incidences arise due to use of unqualified personnel, use of substandard building material, poor workmanship and poor loading in buildings, which should be dealt with at initial stages during building plan approvals and with all the professionals involved,” Cytonn adds.