Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali says that government has commenced the process of re-looking and reviewing the country’s ancient building code, which is becoming more outdated as Guyana’s development continues to take shape.
Housing and Water Minister Irfaan Ali
Speaking during an interview with Guyana Times International, Ali stated that as the country continues to attract more investment, those zones which were predominantly set aside as residential areas have become booming business districts. He said government recognizes that there is need to revamp the country’s building code in this respect.
“We are looking at the buildings and we have commenced the process of revamping the laws, because we do not want to stymie transformation, but we want coordination and proper planning to reflect in the country’s modern infrastructure,” Ali said.
He said that some of the laws and rates previously applicable are not currently applicable; and this is a cause for concern, as laws and legislation must always be revised to meet the demands of the era in question.
He assured citizens that the issue is not being placed on the back burner, but that the change they expect to see will not happen overnight.
“We are happy at the fact that there continues to be a boom in the construction, landscaping, and housing sectors in this country, as this was virtually non- existent before this government got into office. We are, however, cognizant of the need for the building and construction of any structure in or out of the city to comply with the strictest safety and quality standards,” Ali admitted.
He also announced that there is soon to be the construction of a “four-storey building and revolving restaurant in the air on Sherriff Street, Georgetown”, while advising in advance that the building code would not have adequately made provision for this type of investment and development.
The housing minister was adamant that the International Building Expo which is slated for this month end will assist greatly in disseminating information to businesses and residents about the need to conform to the established, though outdated in some cases, building code until the review has been completed.
He noted that the expo will see several discussions and ongoing dialogues being formed about where the necessary adjustments and amendments could possibly be made to bring the country’s building code up to date, while making the code relevant for at least another decade, if not more.
The Local Government and Regional Development Ministry, as well as the Georgetown City Council, has been at pains to get some errant contractors, corporate businesses and citizens to understand the importance of seeking approval before extending, refurbishing, renovating or making any changes to their properties.
Last year, the City Council reported that it had received more complaints than in 2009 about illegal extensions to buildings; the operation and establishment of businesses in exclusive residential areas, which has led to a spike in noise nuisance complains in some instances; and the erection of four and five-storey buildings.
There will be a multi-stakeholder approach towards revamping the building codes, with the Housing Ministry and Local Government Ministry spearheading the project.
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