THE FIRES CONTINUE

Mar 12, 2018 Letters

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Dear Editor,
There seems to be a dire lack of concern for the safety of people and property in Guyana by the Housing Authorities. Just two weeks ago, I indicated that Guyana has poor building codes and non-existent safety enforcement procedures.
Another fire yesterday left more than 50 persons homeless. The destruction on the western half of Pike Street and Thomas Street in Kitty is the type of tragedy I have constantly written about in this newspaper.
In the aftermath of the fire, Minister Harmon told the affected residents of Kitty that the government through the Ministry of Social Cohesion would be assessing the situation and the necessary assistance could be provided to families, including schoolchildren who are among the victims. Meanwhile, Minister Broomes immediately met with the children and began comforting them. This is a very caring response and both ministers must be praised.
Sad to say; this is tantamount to putting the cart before the horse. Such fires can be prevented, if simple building safety codes are installed in all public and residential buildings, especially those with multi-family residency.
The fires at Plaisance a week ago, one at Ms. Jocelyn Dow’s Charlotte St. complex together with fires at Cummings Lodge and at the Medical Storage bond in Patentia (West Demerara) bear sad testimony to the lack of fire safety codes and mechanisms.
A mere six months ago, Fazia’s Collection building on Avenue of the Republic fell victim to similar tragedy. The fires at Gafoor’s bond a year ago and at the Congenital Super Center in Cane Grove in Nov. 2016 are also buildings with non-existent Fire Safety devices and proper building codes. Guyana needs a complete over-haul of its archaic building codes and safety standards. Below are some solutions:
1. Buildings in Guyana are not properly classified. Single family homes are converted into tenant occupied portions so that homeowners can accommodate family members and get added income. The flaw in this is that there is the same original plumbing and electrical systems that now have to support more lighting and appliances. We are in the technology era where a host of appliances are utilized—almost always, invariably, from one outlet. A microwave oven, an air condition unit, a pressing iron and other electrical appliances have more than enough wattage to induce overloading and precipitate (sparks) and eventually fire. Extension cords with their 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 broken-off prong is the ground—a safety device to prevent external shocks.
2. Single Room Occupancy (SRO) buildings, which are prevalent in the country need to be registered with the Building Department and given a Registration number. In this way inspection on a yearly basis can be carried out to make sure all safety designs are instituted. To have 35 persons occupying a building that is registered for 15 persons borders on insanity.
3. A minimum space of about 10 feet between buildings is a requirement that needs to be incorporated into building codes and zoning regulations. This facilitates evacuation as well as allow easy access to firefighters.
4. Commercial buildings need adequate sprinkler systems to distribute water inside a building in event of fire. Automated oxygen retardant systems need to be installed in cool places because a temperature of 110 F could trigger off the chemical spray, which sucks out the oxygen needed to contain fires. Smoke alarms should be installed along corridors, which are the principal pathways for smoke.
5. Bonds, regardless of what is stored in them, need to be sectionalised, much like the compartments in ships such as oil tankers. Concrete separating walls with steel (fireproof) connecting doors must be the code for storage warehouses. This, coupled with periodic safety inspections will help to prevent disasters. Gas containers should not be placed inside closed buildings. Propane is highly flammable and needs to be stored outdoors: any leakage/explosion will dissipate harmlessly into the atmosphere.
6. 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 entrance panels with 100 Amperes with automatic circuit breakers that will trip-off in case of an overload are the standard for commercial buildings such as warehouses, offices, shopping centers, and night clubs etc. In Guyana, only a few buildings have such system in place. Old wirings, coupled with corroded fuses, which do not trip or ‘blow’, pose severe risks of fire.
7. Fire hydrants which supply water to fire engines in cases of fires should always be operational as an emergency water supply. It is comical that fire hydrants have little water in the “land of many waters.’
8. Finally, the Bureau of Standards must constantly monitor and condemn the poor quality of electrical and plumbing accessories bought mostly from China and the Housing Authority must determine the safety features and occupancy of commercial buildings.
Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine
Real Estate and Construction Specialist (New York)

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