'Enforcing building code compliance key to save houses'
Kathmandu, May 12,Engineers have said that most of the capital-based houses
constructed in compliance with the stated design standard have been found safe
from earthquake. This is the observation made by volunteer engineers deputed to
check safety status of the quake-affected houses at the call of Nepal Engineers
Association.
As many as 3,000
engineers have so far done rapid visual assessment of more than 28,000
quake-hit houses in the capital, which has been continued for the past 12 days.
The buildings constructed as per the approved sketch and stipulated design are
not found suffering damages in the capital, said Architect Engineer Janak Raj
Joshi.
Owing to
ineffective monitoring on part of the government bodies, many buildings in
Kathmandu have been constructed against the stated standard and the quake has
caused damages to such buildings, he said. Strict
enforcement of building code is imperative to avert such crisis in future,
engineers further said.
Of the
quake-affected houses assessed so far from safety perspective, only 50 per cent
are safe for residential purpose, 30 per cent should be repaired to make them
fit for residence and rest are not recommended for residence due to heavy
damages.