Poor building codes are likely responsible for fires

Aug 23, 2020 Letters

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All fires are preventable (except arson) and almost all are caused by irresponsible conduct. The recent fire on Sheriff Street which saw a magnificent place of commerce reduced to ashes in the space of a few hours is ample testimony that there is a dire need for the safety of people and the safeguard of property in Guyana by the Housing Authorities. Earlier, on Feb.18, 2020 in Regent Street, the Sachi Store was reduced to ashes in similar manner. I recall that it was only last year when I opined in a letter that Guyana has poor building codes and weak existent safety enforcement procedures. In that year, residential fires have left more than 100 persons homeless throughout the country. The massive fire on the western half of Pike and Thomas Streets in Kitty in 2019 is the type of destruction I have constantly written about in this newspaper.
The fires at Plaisance and Ms. Jocelyn Dow’s Charlotte Street complex together with fires at Cummings Lodge and at the Medical Storage bond in Patentia (West Demerara) are sad testimonies to the tragedy unfolding in Guyana on a regular basis. Fazia’s Collection building on Avenue of the Republic fell victim to similar tragedy. The fire at Gafoor’s bond three years ago further supported the fact that proper procedures are not being followed in the construction of buildings in Guyana. The Congenital Super Center in Cane Grove which was reduced literally to ashes in November 2016 is also a case of weak non-existent fire safety practices. Guyana needs a complete overhaul of its building policies and codes and safety standards, which according to some construction experts, are outdated.
The experts have alleged that many buildings in Guyana generally do not confirm to designate classification. For example, many single-family homes are converted into tenant occupied portions so that homeowners can accommodate family members and at the same time obtain rental income to help defray mortgage payments and other expenses. The flaw in the above example is that when a single family building is converted into a multi-family dwelling; using the same original electric systems could result in overloading because of the increase use of wattage due to the powering of more electrical appliances. As Guyana entered the technology era, a host of electrical appliances such as toasters, microwave ovens, blenders, computers etc., are utilized almost always, invariably, from one outlet. A microwave oven, an air condition unit and an iron can use enough wattage to induce overloading of the electrical system and precipitate electrical sparks and a sudden outbreak of fire. Extension cords, some of which are hidden under carpets with their multiple connections could pose a fire hazard. Then to make matters worse, there is the situation where persons break off the third prong with the earth wire in three way plugs to accommodate plug-ins. It is important for the public to understand that the earth wire provides safety in case of an overload or electrical shocks from externalities such as lightening.
It should be a policy for single Room Occupancy (SRO) buildings to be registered with the Building Department where registration numbers are issued for purposes of inspection on a yearly basis, or by complaints from the public. Furthermore, in order to prevent fires from spreading from one building to another, a minimum space of roughly 10 feet should be allowed between buildings, especially in residential areas. This is a requirement that should be incorporated into the building codes and zoning regulations in Guyana in order to facilitate smooth and orderly evacuation as well as to allow easy access to firefighters and other first responders.
It is vitally important for commercial buildings, attached or unattached to have adequate and suitable sprinkler systems to douse flames of fires before the arrival of firefighters. In addition, Guyana should have a policy for automated oxygen retardant systems to be installed inside of buildings to smother fires and smoke alarms installed along corridors to warn occupants of dwellings on the eruption of fires. Also, the government should have a policy to conduct inspections semi-annually or annually on sprinkler systems, smoke alarms and oxygen retardant systems. Finally, all bonds, regardless of what is stored in them, must be sectionalized much like the compartments in oil tankers to limit the spread of fires to other sections of the buildings.
These policies, though rigid in nature should, in the final analysis, be mandated by law to prevent further tragedies. Fines must be imposed on all forms of non-compliance if those in authority is truly serious about preventing fires and save lives.

Yours truly,
Leyland Chitlall Roopnaraine

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