The Tribune

Contractors and other construction industry players were yesterday armed with knowledge on how to build homes that can withstand up to category 5 hurricanes.

The Ministry of Public Works (MOPW), in conjunction with the Caribbean Development Bank, hosted a one-day workshop to educate, train and develop small contractors, artisans and building inspectors on techniques, best practices and products that will ensure the improved construction of houses.

The theme for the workshop, held through the Caribbean Technological Consultancy Services Network, was Partnering to provide hurricane resilient housing throughout The Bahamas. It comprised three sessions that were led by Selena Curry, senior building inspector at the Ministry of Works, and Timothy Johnson, acting chief architect.

The duo last year attended a regional train-the-trainer workshop in Barbados, which focused on improved practices for home construction. It was designed for participants to facilitate national workshops in their respective countries, and share the knowledge gained with others.

Ms Curry and Mr Johnson yesterday exposed participants to important construction practices, and touched on topics including bracing methods, how to address properties with cavities, site inspections, safe construction, building standards and more.

Melanie Roach, director of public works, said the workshop was necessary due to the need to safeguard, maintain and protect The Bahamas’ environment and assets moving forward.

“We know that when we have attended to those things the possibilities can be limited: We can address and mitigate against unprecedented weather systems as a result of climate change because we will be faced with the capabilities and competencies by virtue of this training,” she added.

Iram Lewis, parliamentary secretary in the ministry of public works, said The Bahamas is increasingly experiencing stronger hurricane force winds, sea surges and tornados that have the capacity to cause major damage to homes, especially those not built to Building Code standards.

“It is also important that you understand that this workshop training is not intended to replace our building code standards, but to enhance awareness and improve areas where we have become complacent and often-times take short cuts,” he explained.

Mr Lewis said housing is among the sectors most severely affected by natural disasters due to the havoc, and mental and economical trauma, that is caused.

“This is due in part to the large percentage of houses in the Caribbean that are constructed by the informal building sector, which operates outside of the formal construction industry and is loosely regulated by the planning authorities,” he added.

“This segment as we know is occupied by artisans and small contractors who construct houses that are not in keeping with the building codes, mainly due to their lack of knowledge and absence of government compliance requirements.”

Mr Lewis said the Ministry of Works is aware that many contractors have become negligent in supervising and adhering to best construction practices, resulting in the failure to visit the proposed building site to determine the proper construction procedures required in instances of unlevel terrain, cavities and high soil density areas; laying out the foundation without establishing proper boundary markers; overlooking high water prone areas; building without a permit; or using an invalid building permit number to appease the client.