Buildings construction standards guidelines in offing
TANZANIA: THE government is working on a draft document for agreed standards in the construction industry for its buildings countrywide to be used in designing and construction to attain value for money.
The Director of Information, Research and Development at the National Construction Council (NCC), Heri Hatibu said the special standards will describe the minimum requirements for health, safety, strength and quality of government buildings.
“The NCC in collaboration with construction stakeholders is currently preparing the Standards which will describe the minimum requirements for health, safety, strength and quantity of government buildings,” he said.
“We have involved professionals such as engineers (electrical, environmental, mechanical, IT, construction), architects, fire safety, disasters and quantity surveyors in the formulation of the requirements for all buildings”. He said for government buildings, the standards are meant to provide the characteristics of construction work, equipment and machinery as well as to ensure consistency, quality and safety.
Eng Hatibu who is the leader of the team that is preparing the standards, mentioned several benefits to come with the draft standards which include equilibrium, balance and symmetry as they will remove the inconsistency of its buildings.
Moreover, he said, the existence of the guidelines will enable the interpretation of various policies in the construction of government buildings as well as reduce operation and maintenance costs as a result of poor construction materials in the implementation of projects and enhance safety.
For safety, Eng Hatibu government building standards ensure that structures are built to withstand various challenges, such as natural disasters, fires, and accidents. For energy efficiency, guidelines consider energy efficiency, including insulation, heating and cooling systems, and renewable energy sources thus helping reduce energy consumption, and lower greenhouse gas emissions while promoting sustainability.
The guidelines intend to ensure the construction of government buildings observes environmental protection by incorporating environmental regulations, such as waste management, water conservation, and sustainable construction practices, therefore minimising the environmental impact.
