Engineers, builders to pay for RA building repairs
OGONE TLHAGE
The consulting engineering firm and the building contractor Namibia Construction will have to foot the bill for repairs to the Roads Authority’s new N$219 million building in Windhoek.
The RA discovered cracks soon after moving into the east wing of the new building.
The building consists of two wings: a north wing that was immediately occupied as no cracks were spotted, and an east wing that stood empty for some time because of safety concerns.
Providing an update on the matter, RA spokesperson Hileni Fillemon said remedial work had been completed and the two firms would pay for the work.
“The total amount for the structural repair works is approximately N$15 million. The RA is currently busy with the process of apportioning liability. The costs of the repair works will be carried by the liable party between the consulting engineer and the contractor,” Fillemon said.
According to her, the RA was still determining how the bill would be split between the two firms.
“The final apportioning has not been finalised yet. In the meantime, the RA will keep the contractor’s retention fee until this process is completed,” she said.
“The structural repair works have been completed and the building was handed over to the RA. The contractor has left the site and all floors are occupied,” Fillemon said.
RA CEO Conrad Lutombi had previously told the media that the building was unoccupied owing to safety concerns.
“It was a cautionary measure from our side, and we needed to be sure there is nothing wrong with it. So far, the southern wing has been occupied, the IT and engineering departments are already there; just not on the affected floor,” he said.
“There is only a 2% chance that it might collapse, but I do not want to take any chances. I am not being unnecessarily harsh either. I just want to be sure because safety is key. This building needs to stand for the next 100 years,” he added.
The seven-storey building has two basement levels and is located on the corner of David Hosea Meroro Road and Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue.
The RA discovered cracks soon after moving into the east wing of the new building.
The building consists of two wings: a north wing that was immediately occupied as no cracks were spotted, and an east wing that stood empty for some time because of safety concerns.
Providing an update on the matter, RA spokesperson Hileni Fillemon said remedial work had been completed and the two firms would pay for the work.
“The total amount for the structural repair works is approximately N$15 million. The RA is currently busy with the process of apportioning liability. The costs of the repair works will be carried by the liable party between the consulting engineer and the contractor,” Fillemon said.
According to her, the RA was still determining how the bill would be split between the two firms.
“The final apportioning has not been finalised yet. In the meantime, the RA will keep the contractor’s retention fee until this process is completed,” she said.
“The structural repair works have been completed and the building was handed over to the RA. The contractor has left the site and all floors are occupied,” Fillemon said.
RA CEO Conrad Lutombi had previously told the media that the building was unoccupied owing to safety concerns.
“It was a cautionary measure from our side, and we needed to be sure there is nothing wrong with it. So far, the southern wing has been occupied, the IT and engineering departments are already there; just not on the affected floor,” he said.
“There is only a 2% chance that it might collapse, but I do not want to take any chances. I am not being unnecessarily harsh either. I just want to be sure because safety is key. This building needs to stand for the next 100 years,” he added.
The seven-storey building has two basement levels and is located on the corner of David Hosea Meroro Road and Mandume Ndemufayo Avenue.
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