‘STICK TO PROPER BUILDING STANDARDS’
By JOHN KOMBE
THE disaster which left more than 40 families homeless in Kampekete village of Manyika ward in Chongwe would have been avoided if people adhered to proper building standards.
Chongwe district commissioner Fraser Musonda said the local authority and the traditional leadership needed to collaborate to ensure that buildings met the technical requirements.
“We also need to promote change of mindset. People need to deliberately engage the council as they undertake construction of buildings.
“In as much as it is our right to own land we also need to adhere to good building practices. If we disregard issues such as building in waterlogged areas, then we are exposing ourselves to disasters such as the one that we just experienced.
“Some areas like Kampekete are prone to water logging. This makes it even more prudent for residents to involve the council’s technocrats who are ready to give technical advice” he said.
“Going forward, as people acquire land for any development, they need to adhere to good practices in building of any structures otherwise such calamities will not be averted” he emphasised.
Mr Musonda was however grateful that government was seeking ways of enhancing the interaction of traditional leadership and the local authorities in land development in rural communities.
“This intention for me is timely,” he said.
Mr. Musonda told the Daily Nation that, the families affected in the Kampekete rainfall disaster will be assisted accordingly and urgently.
“We are making a thorough assessment of the situation and an integrated approach will be used to assist the affected families. “he said.