UNBS advises contractors

Jul 30, 2009

BUILDING contractors should to always supervise their workers to avoid disasters at sites.

By Vision Reporter

BUILDING contractors should to always supervise their workers to avoid disasters at sites.

“Our investigations have indicated that most buildings, especially in Kampala, collapse due to lack of accurate measurements when mixing construction materials,” John Okumu, the Uganda National Bureau of Standards (UNBS) head of the material testing laboratory, said.

He added that because of lack of supervision, construction workers do not mix the right quantities of materials, which leads to the collapse of buildings.

“There are always no supervisors at sites to make sure the right quantities of the materials are mixed,” Okumu said.

This was at a recent function to mark the World Metrology Day at UNBS offices in Kampala.

Metrology is the science of measurement. It includes all theoretical and practical aspects of measurement.

Citing the collapse of a hotel building at Bwebajja on Entebbe Road about four years ago, Okumu said there was poor supervision of the work, faulty building materials and its poorly-designed columns.

He said poor workmanship threatened the industry because people lose their lives, savings and businesses.
Nelson Gagawala, the trade state minister, said adhering to correct measurements was important for the industry’s growth.

“In other fields, measurements are applied to determine the weight and volume of pre-packaged goods and fuel dispensers at petrol stations to ensure that consumers are not cheated,” he said.

Gaggawala said the current dynamics of international trade had made metrology more important because of its role in quality control, calibration, laboratory accreditation, traceability and certification of products.

“Measurements are at the core of these functions. When carried out correctly, measurements can improve and guarantee quality in products and services,” the minister explained, adding that this would directly influence competitiveness of enterprises, their ability to capture markets and expand production facilities, which leads to growth and creation of employment.

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