Your perimeter wall may be demolished if not approved
WHEN Grace completed her house in Seguku, she felt it was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Pleased with herself, she invited friends for a house-warming party. But each had one complaint – the house was incomplete without a fence.
By Harriet Birungi
WHEN Grace completed her house in Seguku, she felt it was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Pleased with herself, she invited friends for a house-warming party. But each had one complaint – the house was incomplete without a fence.
“I was so disappointed,†recalls Grace. Paying through the nose, she is still constructing the perimeter wall.
Having a perimeter wall is in vogue. Ronald Ntege, an architect with Bucon Construction Company in Mengo, says a fence gives a degree of security. When people have a fence, they feel there is an added layer of protection other than the doors, windows and walls.
The fence also gives an additional layer of privacy. When living in a fenced area, Ntege says, one is assured of less or no intrusion from unwanted people and animals.
“Because a fence allows the option of a gate, which one can lock and open, chances of stray animals and people wandering into your compound are limited,†he adds.
Apart from the usual advantages, the architect adds that a fence upgrades the value of a home. If you are to sell or rent a home which has a fence, it will fetch more than one without.
The architect says although having a fence is what everyone wants, it does not come cheap. The least one can spend is sh3m for a moderate one made of barbed wire.
Simon Muhumuza, the public relations officer for Kampala City Council, says although many people desire to have fences around their homes, they must remember that prior to construction, a plan for the fence must be presented to KCC for approval.
“The council authorities will not hesitate to demolish a fence if it is not in line with the standard requirement or if there are wrangles over the plot boundaries.â€
He adds that the standard requirements for fences are 1.2 metres of solid wall or even shorter with metal grills of one’s desired height and shape, a requirement that is generally ignored by many people.
However, he notes that it is only when the purpose of the fence is stated that the council may approve a higher wall.
“Otherwise, any fence above the required height is violating the city council laws and stands chances of being demolished,†he warns.
Muhumuza says metal grills are recommended at the top because they allow in aeration.
WHEN Grace completed her house in Seguku, she felt it was the best thing that had ever happened to her. Pleased with herself, she invited friends for a house-warming party. But each had one complaint – the house was incomplete without a fence.
“I was so disappointed,†recalls Grace. Paying through the nose, she is still constructing the perimeter wall.
Having a perimeter wall is in vogue. Ronald Ntege, an architect with Bucon Construction Company in Mengo, says a fence gives a degree of security. When people have a fence, they feel there is an added layer of protection other than the doors, windows and walls.
The fence also gives an additional layer of privacy. When living in a fenced area, Ntege says, one is assured of less or no intrusion from unwanted people and animals.
“Because a fence allows the option of a gate, which one can lock and open, chances of stray animals and people wandering into your compound are limited,†he adds.
Apart from the usual advantages, the architect adds that a fence upgrades the value of a home. If you are to sell or rent a home which has a fence, it will fetch more than one without.
The architect says although having a fence is what everyone wants, it does not come cheap. The least one can spend is sh3m for a moderate one made of barbed wire.
Simon Muhumuza, the public relations officer for Kampala City Council, says although many people desire to have fences around their homes, they must remember that prior to construction, a plan for the fence must be presented to KCC for approval.
“The council authorities will not hesitate to demolish a fence if it is not in line with the standard requirement or if there are wrangles over the plot boundaries.â€
He adds that the standard requirements for fences are 1.2 metres of solid wall or even shorter with metal grills of one’s desired height and shape, a requirement that is generally ignored by many people.
However, he notes that it is only when the purpose of the fence is stated that the council may approve a higher wall.
“Otherwise, any fence above the required height is violating the city council laws and stands chances of being demolished,†he warns.
Muhumuza says metal grills are recommended at the top because they allow in aeration.