MPs probe existence of cracks in Lotis Towers

Kampala, Uganda | THE INDEPENDENT | The parliamentary committee on infrastructure has started an investigation into the state of Lotis towers.

Last month, cracks on the 14-storied building were first spotted in one of the building’s pillars on level six by concerned tenants. The National Buildings Review Board-NBRB recommended occupants vacate the building, to give way for a structural integrity assessment, and also carry out remedial measures as first aid to prevent the worst scenario.

Speaking after inspecting the towers, David Karubanga, the committee chairperson said that findings from the inspection will help parliament make policy recommendations that will help streamline the building sector.

The visit was aimed at establishing information about the building’s designs, and the entire processes that were adhered to until occupancy.

Flavia Bwire, the NBRB Executive Secretary told the MPs that further action about the building will be dependent on the structural integrity assessment report which they are yet to receive.

The towers that were commissioned in 2019 are owned by Lotigo properties, and were constructed by the Roko Construction Company.

Francis Gimara, the Lotigo Property Company Secretary says that the structural integrity assessment was already carried out by an independent engineering firm. He says the committee should have waited for the full structural integrity report, rather than investigating a technical matter without a report from experts.

According to Gimara, the state of the building did not necessitate an evacuation, because recommendations in the structural integrity report show that the defects are fixable. He says that they are waiting for the approval of the additional construction from KCCA since the application for the same has already been submitted.

However, many of the tenants had not yet vacated as recommended by NBRB recommendation, but the remedial works were going on.

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URN