Scores missing after a four storey building collapses
The Mountain Journal
A building that collapsed
in Gatanga, Murang’a was a result of negligence by the contractor after he defied the
structural engineering procedures.
The part of Sun Star Hotel under construction came down as the locals questioned the speed at which the work progressed ignoring the laid down procedures in the construction sector.
Preminaly investigations in the wreckage of the building that trembled down at around 2pm when the workers
were coming back from lunch, revealed the steel used in the supporting of the concrete
pillar was Y 12 being one for the small works.
One of the employees
recounted how he was threatened to be sacked when he questioned those in charge
of the multi million shillings project why he considered using the steel instead of going for the heavy
steel recommended in the construction of the high rise buildings.
“ I was asked if I was the engineer and I should stop questioning and do what I was assigned for the day to earn a living,” said a man who was working in the construction site.
In a roll call made by
the police out of the 58 persons who were working in the ill-fated building
eight could not be accounted for thus the rescue mission was started by the Kenya
Defence Force, National Youth Service and National Police Service.
The rescue mission
coordinated by Murang’a County Commander Donatha Kiplangat saw the rescue of two people from the debris
of the ill fated building.
“ We have embarked on a multi-agency approach including the disaster response unit from Murang’a County Government to ensure we
save the lives of the workers trapped in the building,” said Ms Kiplangat.
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