UGANDA, Jinja | Real Muloodi News | During the demolition of a building in Jinja City, located at plot 2, Nizam Street East, a collapse occurred, resulting in injuries of three casual labourers.
Kiira Police region spokesperson James Mubi confirmed the incident that took place on Thursday, 15th February 2024 at 3:00 PM.
The building owner, Haji Muhammad Lubega, had obtained a demolition permit to dismantle the dilapidated structure.
Formerly housing Tata Owen Supermarket until mid-December last year, the business was relocated to a new building on Nizam Street West.
According to Mubi, three individuals sustained injuries in the collapse. Samali Nambubi, Muhammad Kasozi, and Frank were rushed to Jinja Regional Referral Hospital for treatment.
Kasozi and Frank were inside the premises during the collapse, while Nambubi was passing by the verandah of the facility upon returning from shopping.
Contrary to rumours, no fatalities occurred in the incident. Mubi clarified that only injuries were sustained and refuted claims of loss of life.
Additionally, two casual labourers, Alex Odeke and an individual known as Wizard, escaped unhurt from the collapse.
Lubega had obtained the necessary demolition permit for the site, and the demolition was being executed by authorized personnel.
However, concerns were raised by Jinja City council authorities regarding the lack of proper safety measures during the demolition.
Lubega had been served a letter on the fateful day, halting any building operations. A February 15, 2024 letter from the building control office faulted Lubega for not adhering to corrective measures mandated by the building committee during the demolition process.
Joel Mutalya, a farmer from Budondo, expressed regret over the presence of ageing and neglected buildings in Jinja City.
He criticized the authorities for their inaction in addressing the deteriorating condition of structures, citing examples of buildings near the city council headquarters.
Mutalya warned of potential fatalities if corrective actions are not promptly taken to address the structural integrity of buildings in the city.
Meanwhile, Mubi announced that the police would collaborate with the National Building Review Board (NBRB) and city authorities to ensure compliance with building regulations within Jinja City and the surrounding district.
The NBRB is responsible for monitoring all building developments in the country, ensuring adherence to established standards and regulations.
Emphasizing the importance of compliance with building laws, Mubi highlighted the necessity for property owners to follow proper procedures outlined in the Building Control Act 2013 and the Building Control Regulations 2020 when making modifications to their structures.
The collapse incident serves as a reminder of the risks associated with ageing buildings in urban areas. In October last year, a similar incident resulted in the death of one individual and injuries to others due to falling debris from an incomplete building opposite the current collapse site.
City authorities temporarily closed the structure until an engineering audit deemed it safe for occupation, highlighting the importance of proactive measures to ensure public safety amidst urban development initiatives.
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