Quality Challenges in Zambia’s Building Construction: The Role of Developers, Professional Services and Regulatory Processes

NAHUM STACKSON JERE; Ian Nzali Banda

doi:10.53974/unza.jonas.6.3.946

NAHUM STACKSON JERE University of Zambia
Ian Nzali Banda University of Zambia

DOI: https://doi.org/10.53974/unza.jonas.6.3.946

Keywords: Building Construction, Building Regulations, Urban Development, Developer Compliance, Quality

Abstract

Building Construction in Zambian has been booming at a faster rate than ever before. Local authorities have had the challenge of pacing up in quality control with these fast developments. The integrity of built infrastructure in a city guarantees safety of occupants, minimises maintenance costs to buildings, and safeguards the economic investments secured in the infrastructure. This results in important savings which can be available for economic growth. The quality of built infrastructure in Zambia has been clearly put to the test by adverse conditions as heavy storms and floods, earth vibrations and movements, and fires. These incidental conditions are all becoming too common in Zambia, especially with the effects of climate change. The news media reports houses and buildings collapsing, roofs being blown off, and public infrastructure damage especially during the rainy months of October to March. Noteworthy also is the many reported fires to buildings, and the limited buildings resilience to fires, compromising the structural integrity of the infrastructure. More diverse is the residential building construction, which accommodates all classes of social and economic standing. It is therefore important to identify the factors affecting the quality of building infrastructure in Zambia. Callistus (2014) highlights that the background of the developer influences the building quality implemented. He highlighted that most building failures in Nigeria were a result of developers not submitting development plans to authorities. Basirat (2016) also contented similarly and added that most building failures were as a result of construction without approved designs. Therefore, this research focussed on the developer’s attitude and trends of the use approved designs in construction of developments in the City of Lusaka. This was then cross-tabulated with the developers educational and income background. The results indicated that most developers do not use approved development plans, nor do they seek professional advice. This is clearly a serious contributing factor to the building collapses recorded each rainy season. Key Phrases: Building Construction, Developers

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