The Tribune

By NATARIO McKENZIE

Tribune Business Reporter

nmckenzie@tribunemedia.net

A contractor has called for an assessment and, where necessary, upgrades to the Bahamas’ Building Code in the wake of Hurricanes Joaquin and Matthew, telling this newspaper: “We can’t wait any longer”.

Debbie Deal, principal of Contemporary Builder, and head of the Energy and Environment Division at the Bahamas Chamber of Commerce and Employers Confederation (BCCEC, told Tribune Business that perhaps the biggest obstacle is the need for such reforms to be legislated by Parliament.

Ms Deal suggested the creation of a committee, comprised of representatives from the engineering and architectural professions, to vote on changes to the Building Code.

“How can we do it without having to go to Parliament? That’s the big obstacle,” she added. “We need to do things quickly. We can’t wait any longer. We had two devastating hurricanes not far apart. When are we going to do something?”

Ms Deal said enforcement of the Building Codes was also critical. She added that homeowners should be required to have some form of hurricane protection for their home.

“I think that anybody who builds a house should have to have hurricane protection. It doesn’t have to be fancy, but before you get your occupancy certificate you must show that you have hurricane protection for all of your windows and doors. When they go to the bank to borrow money I believe that should be included,” said Ms Deal.