A collapsed building in Nairobi. [PHOTO/the-star.co.ke]
An audit report on houses in Nairobi's Eastlands has showed that many city residents live in shadows of death.
The report found out an alarming high number of unsafe houses already inhabited by tenants and which can collapse any time.
Among the most affected areas is Huruma estate which has had a number of buildings collapse in the last few years.
“We visually identified 651 unsafe buildings in the country that require scientific testing. 640 houses are in Nairobi. So far we have tested 28 buildings,” said secretary of the Buildings Inspectorate Mr Moses Nyakiongora.
Out of 28 buildings tested scientifically, the audit report said 15 were structurally unsound and with nine requiring repairs before occupation.
In the 15 that are structurally unsound, six are very dangerous and require urgent action.
Some 711 buildings in Huruma are unsafe for human occupation as reported by the Buildings Inspectorate in the Ministry of Lands, Housing and Urban Development.
Out of the 711 houses, 388 are very dangerous to reside in while 323 are unsafe.
“Demolition of buildings in Huruma riparian reserves was scheduled to recommence on March 15, 2017, but due to security matters, the exercise was suspended. The operation will resume in January, 2018,” he said.
“The number of buildings demolished to date stands at 34 and this does not include those that came down on their own,” he added.