Joyce Namutebi And Winniefred Nanteza
14 June 2009
Kampala — THE Government has developed a National Construction Industry Policy to manage the physical infrastructure.
Works minister John Nasasira said the policy, to be effected this financial year, will enhance the safety of the industry.
He was closing a technology conference at Statistics House in Kampala on Friday.
Nasasira said the policy would harmonise the roles of the public and private sector, establish a commission for the industry, support regulatory and professional bodies and remove restrictive practices on women's participation in the industry.
Several construction disasters have been reported particularly in Kampala.
The disasters have left a number of people dead and several others seriously injured.
Engineers' Registration Board chief Prof. Jackson Mwakali attributed the accidents to inadequate designs, bad workmanship and work methods.
He said statutory authorities were not enforcing the law pertaining to construction. Mwakali also noted that there was a lot of informality in construction.
"Professionals take up projects without written contracts," he said.
Mwakali said the engineers had asked the Immigration Board not to issue work permits to foreign engineers before getting clearance from them.
UIPE vice-president Francis Baziraake proposed that a 'checking engineer' be introduced to ensure that structures are properly built.
"This will help the country check safety, security and value for money."
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