Government to develop National Building Code

Friday, 3 May 2019 00:00 - - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

Construction Industry Authority Bill to be presented to Parliament

Cabinet this week gave approval to a joint proposal to develop a building code in consultation with all stake holders in the industry, covering building planning, construction, maintenance and renovations.

Following a spike in accidents involving collapsing buildings, fires and other disasters related to buildings the Government has identified lack of proper quality and standards as the cause in most cases, the Information Department briefing notes announced.

Further Sri Lanka also lacks a formal process to assess the building quality and the unsecure buildings, while there is no monitoring in place to ensure that construction related work including design and maintenance are carried out by qualified personnel.

The Hosing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Ministry jointly with the Disaster Management Ministry has proposed has recognised the need for formalising approval process for construction to ensure quality and adherence to proper standards, the department said. Accordingly a joint proposal has been made to develop a building code in consulting with all stakeholders in the country to address the issue. Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister Sajith Premadasa and Disaster Management Minister Ranjith Madduma Bandara presented the Cabinet paper, the Information Department said.

The Housing, Construction and Cultural Affairs Minister also obtained approval to present the draft on Construction Industry Authority bill to the Parliament, Information Department briefing notes said.