Assessing the collapse of buildings on the involvement of professionals in Kampala metropolitan city.

Abstract

Kampala is the premiere city in Uganda, a status it has possessed since independence in 1962. Given this strategic advantage as well as historical fame during colonial period, it has continued to be a magnet of Uganda as well as a preferred center for expatriates. This has led to shortage of land and housing units compelling investors to establish high rise buildings. However, in the last one decade, many high-rise buildings have collapsed and caused loss of lives and property. While there are many contributory factors, limited engagement of professionals could be among. No studies have been carried out to provide this linkage. Thus, the purpose of the study was to assess collapse of high-rise buildings and the involvement of professionals in Kampala city. The study was guided by the following specific objectives, to assess: To identify the roles and responsibilities of different professionals in the construction of buildings in Kampala City, assess the causes of building collapse in Kampala City and establish the potential consequences of the absence of construction professionals in the construction of buildings in Kampala City. The study collected both primary data that was both quantitative and qualitative. Primary data were collected using questionnaires and interviews. Questionnaires were administered to staff of selected institutions and companies while interviews were administered to top management of KCCA, UIPE, USA, ERB and MoWT as well as contractor companies. Quantitative data were analysed at univariate levels using SPSS while qualitative data were analysed using narrative text. Findings of the study established various roles and responsibilities of different professionals on construction sites. The study equally established the causes of building collapse selection inexperienced customers, limited engagement of professionals, construction without building permits among others. Consequently, the effects of the absence of professionals were also established and potential building collapse was fronted to be the greatest consequence. The study concluded that limited engagement of professionals is very common on high rise buildings in Kampala city and yet they are not given emphasis as prime causes of building failure and collapse in high rise constructions. The study recommended the need for line ministries to offer management support to KCCA in the form of project management training services, careful screening of design engineers, invest in improving the quality and relevance of professional education and training programs.