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GUYANA’S POOR BUILDING CODES

Aug 11, 2016 Letters

Dear Editor,
A few months ago, I indicated that Guyana has poor building codes and even more lopsided enforcement procedures. The recent fire at the Fazia’s Collection building on Avenue of the Republic is ample testimony of this; the fire at Gafoor’s bond further supports this analysis.
Commercial buildings need sprinkler systems: a series of road-side connections to connect fire hoses which will distribute water inside a building in event of fire. Automated oxygen retardant systems need to be installed inside where an increase in temperature (say at 110 F) will trigger off the chemical spray. As this chemical sucks out the oxygen the fire will be greatly contained.
Bonds need to be sectionalized, much like the compartments in ships such as oil tankers. Concrete separating walls with steel (fire-proof) connecting doors must be the code for storage warehouses. This, coupled with periodic safety inspections, must be the way forward. Storage of cooking gas containers must never be inside a closed building. Propane is highly flammable (after all people cook with it) and needs to be stored outdoors: any leakage/explosion will dissipate harmlessly into the atmosphere.
Perhaps the worst aspect of construction in Guyana is the electrical system, material and installation codes. This is in serious need of overhauling. Systems such as 100 Amperes distribution with Fly Back Breakers are the standard for commercial buildings such as warehouses, offices, shopping centers, and night clubs and so on. This is virtually non-existent. JFI outlets (with built in overload kick-out) rarely exist while electric wiring is predominantly vinyl coated (easily combustible) copper wire. Additionally, old wiring, coupled with corroded fuses, which do not trip or ‘blow’, poses severe risk of fire.
As Guyana is entering the technology era, a host of appliances are utilized—almost always, invariably, from one outlet. A microwave oven, an air conditioner and an iron can total as much as 4,000 Watts—enough to induce overloading and precipitate fire. Extension cords, most times hidden under carpet with their multiple connections pose extreme fire hazard. Then there is the scenario where persons break off one of the prongs in three way plugs to accommodate plug-ins. The earth safety is thus discarded and overloading is facilitated.
Finally, the government, through a Bureau of Standards, must monitor the very poor quality of electrical fittings and accessories (mostly from China) that flood the Guyanese market. While they are definitely cheaper than their other counterparts the consequences are often costly and fatal.
Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine
Real Estate Builder (New York)

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