A multi-agency taskforce has been established to investigate into the construction and supervision of the condemned 11-storey building that was brought down by the military on Wednesday afternoon at Mombasa’s Corner ya Kilifi area.
Speaking to the media during a post demolition briefing, Mombasa Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir said the Architect Lawrence Gitau led multi-agency taskforce was also tasked with conducting a full audit of all existing complete structures that had been constructed by the developer, contractor, project engineer, and project architect.
The governor also suspended all ongoing construction in other sites by the above mentioned.
“The building constructed on plot No.XLVI/195/MI, off Abdel Nasser Road, was found to be unsafe and in violation of construction and supervision standards, thereby posing a serious threat to public safety,” said Governor Abdulswamad Sheriff Nassir.
“There is compelling evidence indicating construction compliance failures, professional negligence, and possible malpractice in the construction and supervision of the said development,” he added.
The taskforce composed of representatives from National Building Inspectorate, Engineers Board of Kenya, National Construction Authority, Directorate of Criminal Investigations,Kenya Institute of Planners, Board of Registered Architects and Quality Surveyors, and Architectural Association of Kenya has also been tasked with recommending appropriate disciplinary, legal, and administrative action to be taken against officers and entities found culpable.
“A fatality occurred at the site when the building first collapsed, and there is need to establish the culpability arising from possible professional negligence contributing to loss of life,” said the Governor.
The taskforce has two weeks to complete the task.
Meanwhile, County Building Inspectors involved in the 11-storey project have been directed to proceed on compulsory leave pending outcome of investigations.
