Structural failures said to be main cause of buildings collapse in Ghana

Dr. Stella Arthiabah, Acting Registrar of the Architects Registration Council of Ghana, on Friday said most buildings that collapse in the country were due to “Structural failures.”

She was speaking at the closing session of a three-day training workshop organized by the council for 24 architects, building technicians, small-scale draughts men, and craftsmen, drawn from the Western, Greater Accra and Eastern Regions at Takoradi.

Dr. Arthiabah said these “Structural failures” are due to people failing to use professional architects, in order to cut cost.

She said people should consult and make use of professional architects in their building projects and urged  the public to contact the council for assistance to locate professional architects when necessary.

She said the council, which is an agency of the Ministry of Water Resources, Works and Housing, was established to protect public interest and called on architects, building technicians, small scale contractors, draughtmen and craftsmen to abide by the National Building Regulations.

Dr. Arthiabah said buildings have to be constructed in line with the National Buildings regulations, adding that, it is the responsibility of architects, building technicians’ craftsmen, draughtsman and small scale contractors to enforce the regulations to ensure that the right things were done.

She urged them to refuse contracts that block waterways and to use appropriate equipment for their projects.

Dr. Arthiabah said there should be enough distance between buildings and fence walls and that buildings constructed close to fence walls are likely to be hindrances in emergency cases, adding that, there should be enough space around buildings and reasonable landscaping for healthy environment.

Source: GNA