Probe launched after nine-storey building under construction develops cracks in Mombasa
Nassir added that those found culpable in consultation with the Engineers Board of Kenya (EBK) will see their licenses cancelled.
The county government of Mombasa has launched investigations after a nine-storey building under construction at Lighthouse, Kilifi Corner, developed large cracks, raising fears of an imminent collapse, leading to the evacuation of people around it.
Confirming the ongoing demolition of the building, Mombasa Governor Abdhulswamad Nassir stated that they have asked the Institute of Engineers Kenya and the National Construction Authority (NCA) to help in expediting investigations and hold the culprits accountable.
“If the engineer lied, they’ll go to jail. We have called in board of the Institute of Engineers Kenya, the National Construction Authority, and the county government is spearheading in bringing the building down,” he said.
Nassir added that those found culpable will have their licenses cancelled as he reiterated that he was not faulting the engineers for the collapse.
He added that the projects done by the Engineer and the developer in Mombasa shall also be scrutinised to see if they meet the required standards and ensure no more collapses occur.
“There are many factors why the building collapsed, and with the help of experts, we will realize the cause. If someone decides to use shortcuts and lie, the county government shall use this as an example. Even if it is revoking the license of the engineers, we have informed the Engineers Board of Kenya of the same. Any project by the engineers involved shall be scrutinized together with the developer,” the governor explained.
Nassir stated that they’ll soon be digitising the monitoring of all ongoing constructions to ensure no illegal construction goes on, even as the building approvals remain digital.
County Executive Committee Member for Lands Mohamed Hussein assured residents that authorities were taking all necessary precautions.
He emphasised that the county government remains vigilant to ensure structural integrity in new constructions.
Mid this week, fear gripped residents around the Coast General Hospital after the nine-storey building showed signs of collapse.
The residents raised an alarm to the county officials the same evening, and an evacuation process immediately started.
