The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

The Deputy Prime Minister yesterday said amendmentments to the Buildings Regulation Act would provide increased sanctions for contractors guilty of unsafe and shoddy workmanship.

Philip Davis said the Buildings Regulation Amendment Bill 2016, which amends the Section 19 of the existing Act, would increase the penalty for infractions from a $500 fine to $10,000.

The maximum term of imprisonment is being raised from six months to two years.

“This Bill seeks to  amend the Buildings Regulation Act to provide an increase in the penalty that may be imposed on summary conviction for any breach or contravention of rules that may be made by the Minister,” Mr Davis said.

“It is anticipated that the increase will encourage improved compliance with the Act and any rules made thereunder with respect to commercial activity.”

Mr Davis added that the Bahamas has had  the Buildings Regulation Act since 1971. It provides for regulation of the construction, alteration and repair of buildings, and provides for the removal of dangerous or dilapidated buildings.

As to the penalties the Bill seeks to increase, Mr Davis said: “I think everyone would agree that these penalties are not a deterrent to the breach of the rules under the Act, and we are all not that far removed for reality to appreciate that there have been too many instances of  the flagrant disregard of the laws.”

The Deputy Prime Minister added that the Contractors Bill, as well as Planning and Subdivisions Bill 2016, will be tabled in Parliament “in short order”.

“We have advanced drafts of the Contractors Bill 2016 and the Planning and Subdivisions Bill 2016, which I foreshadow laying on the table of the House in short order. My technical team is now finalising their efforts in this regard,” Mr Davis told Parliament yesterday.