By George M.O. Williams
Freetown, Sierra Leone – Financial hurdles are obstructing the completion of Sierra Leone’s Building Code Regulations, according to Abu Bakarr Jalloh, Deputy Director of Housing at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Country Planning.
Speaking to Premier News on Wednesday, Jalloh revealed that the process requires an estimated $1.2 million, but only $350,000 has been secured so far, leaving a substantial funding gap.
The funds currently available consist of $200,000 from the Sierra Leone Economy Diversification Project (SLEDP) and $150,000 from the Urban Resilient Project. Jalloh urged the Ministry of Finance to provide the remaining funds, emphasizing the need to hire key experts, such as architects, engineers, planners, and geo-technicians, to finalize the regulations. He also highlighted the necessity of validating the updated document across Sierra Leone’s regions.
The urgency of implementing a comprehensive Building Code has grown as Freetown faces an increasing number of building collapses, leading to significant loss of life. Public concerns about the Ministry’s oversight of building inspections and permits have mounted, along with claims regarding insufficient monitoring of imported building materials.
Jalloh outlined the Ministry’s goal to adapt the International Building Code to Sierra Leone’s context, ensuring safety, sustainability, and harmony with the environment. The proposed regulations aim to establish a national building review board and control committees, protect historic and cultural sites, and address urban development challenges.
The Ministry of Lands continues to advocate for the necessary funding, stressing the critical importance of the Building Code Regulations in safeguarding Sierra Leone’s built environment and promoting sustainable development.
A national building code plays a vital role in ensuring safety, sustainability, and orderly development in the construction and urban planning sectors. Here are its key significance:
Safety Assurance: It sets standards for structural integrity, fire safety, electrical systems, and other critical areas, reducing the risks of building collapses, fires, and other hazards.
Quality Control: By regulating construction materials and practices, it ensures that buildings are constructed to withstand environmental and man-made challenges.
Public Health and Welfare: Codes often include provisions for ventilation, lighting, water systems, and sanitation, improving the overall living conditions in buildings.
Environmental Sustainability: Modern codes encourage eco-friendly designs, energy efficiency, and sustainable materials, promoting harmony with the environment.
Economic Benefits: Properly enforced codes can reduce long-term costs by minimizing the need for repairs, mitigating disaster damage, and enhancing property values.
Legal Framework: They provide a basis for legal accountability, ensuring compliance by builders and contractors to maintain public trust.
Urban Development: A national code fosters well-planned urban growth and helps preserve cultural and historical landmarks.
In Sierra Leone’s context, as highlighted earlier, adopting a comprehensive building code could address urgent challenges like building collapses and inadequate construction practices, paving the way for safer and more sustainable development. Let me know if you’d like further insights!