By Alfred ZachariaMorogoro, Tanzania: The National Construction Council (NCC) is in the process of reviewing draft building codes, incorporating recommendations from the World Bank (WB).
The two-week exercise is spearheaded by a team of engineers under the leadership of NCC's Chief Executive Officer, Dr. Engineer Matiko Mturi (PhD).
During the review, Engineer Geofrey Mwakasenga highlighted NCC's mandate to develop, coordinate, and oversee standards, regulations, and guidelines for Tanzania’s construction sector.
“These codes will serve as a cornerstone for construction laws under the Council’s jurisdiction,” he explained.
The proposed building codes aim to establish a national framework for ensuring structural safety, protecting building users, and promoting environmental sustainability both within and around buildings.
Engineer Mwakasenga urged construction industry stakeholders to adopt the new codes once finalized, emphasizing their potential to significantly reduce risks linked to non-compliant building practices.
“We call on all industry players to embrace these standards once they are ready, as they will help mitigate or eliminate construction-related risks,” he stressed.
Architect Mariahildergard Byarufu underscored the importance of the codes in enhancing construction quality and ensuring accessibility for all, including individuals with special needs.
“These standards will ensure buildings are designed to meet inclusive requirements, allowing everyone to use them independently,” she stated.
NCC is collaborating with various stakeholders to ensure the timely completion of the building codes, which are expected to drive significant advancements in Tanzania’s construction sector.