Dear Editor,
I write in response to your editorial `KSM Investments factory’ (SN April 21, 2017) and acknowledge the concerns raised in regards to the enforcement of the National Building Code and the monitoring of the quality of building materials used in the construction sector.
The Guyana National Bureau of Standards (GNBS) as the National Standards Development Body is currently working with the CARICOM Regional Organisation for Standards and Quality (CROSQ) and Organisation of Eastern Caribbean States (OECS) in reviewing the dated National Building Code.
The Building Code which was developed in the late 1990s needs to reflect the changing landscape in regards to new materials, designs and requirements. As such, the GNBS is looking to examine the code set out by the OECS to improve the existing National Building Code. Addition-ally, with the development of a Regional Energy Efficiency Building Code (REEBC) which is supported by CROSQ, Guyana will be able to adopt that code and use it as a guide to construct energy efficient buildings.
In relation to enforcement, Part one of the Building Code specifies the establishment of a Building Authority. This Authority will determine the competence of contractors and regulate the work of all engineers and other players in the building and construction sector; all of whom will need to be registered with the authority before any work can be carried out. The authority would also be responsible for facilitating the accreditation of building products, construction methods, designs, components and systems. All of which is included in the
GCP 9-1:2005 Standard. This will address current issues of substandard work, poor quality products and inefficient building designs that exist in the country.
It is important to note that the GNBS is not the body responsible for the monitoring of the quality of buildings and building materials. The Bureau is responsible for monitoring the quality of 20 categories of commodities imported and locally manufactured. These can be viewed on the GNBS website www.gnbsgy.org.
In addition, the Bureau is also responsible for organising the revision of Standards and encourages the public and experts in the Building and Construction field to continue to provide feedback that would aid the creation of an improved version of the Building code.
With the Building code being voluntary and the lack of an established Building Authority, it leaves the market open to unscrupulous practices. It is hoped that the Government will intervene and have the Building Code Authority established so as to bring order and stabilisation to the construction sector.
Yours faithfully,
Lloyd David
Public Relations Officer
Guyana National Bureau
of Standards
