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Contact:
George Jude
Tuesday, July 13, 2004 - A one week training workshop on Building Codes
and Guidelines opened at the Cara Suite Hotel on Monday, July 12, 2004.
The workshop is geared towards offsetting the many inadequately designed
constructions, which have taken place over the years, according to Consultant
Engineer with Engineering Construction and Management Consulting Limited (ECMC),
Egbert Louis.
The workshop is organised by the Ministry of Physical Development, Environment
and Housing, in collaboration the Caribbean Regional Human Resource Development
Programme for Economic Competitiveness (CPEC), and Facilitated by ECMC.
Mr. Louis said that the absence of proper guidelines and building codes had
resulted in the construction of many large and small houses not being able to
withstand hurricane force winds and earthquakes.
“This observation has been manifested in the severe damages suffered by the
island’s housings and infrastructure, and the consequential increases in
insurance premiums, particularly since the passing of Hurricane Andrew”, Mr.
Louis informed, adding that the advent of the building codes and guidelines had
meant that the time for cutting corners was over. He said that the code would
provide the basis for reviewing designs and construction details submitted to
the planning authority.
Speaking at the workshop, Minister for Physical Development, Environment and
Housing, Honourable Ferguson John sent a very strong signal to developers and
builders in the country, challenging officials of the ministry to use their
power to dissuade unscrupulous and non compliant of proper building practices.
“How many builders have you heard been really penalise, because they did not
comply with our laws and regulations?” Minister John asked, adding, “the fact of
the matter is that they get away with it. We allow them to and my plea to you
now is do not be afraid to enforce it”.
The one week training workshop on St. Lucia’s Building Code and Guidelines for
Building and Planning Officers ends on Friday.
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