On Monday, an apartment collapsed in the Roud el-Farag neighborhood in Cairo. Though it is not yet clear what might have caused the incident, reports allege poor construction. At least three people of the same family succumbed following the accident.
Building Collapses
It happens that cases of buildings collapsing are recurrent in Cairo. Hence the recent one did not leave many in shock. Similar incidents have occurred in the previous years, leaving tenants broken. Fifteen years ago, eight people, inclusive of two children, died after a building collapsed. In this case, the building was a four-storey, under a demolition order. Among the recent tragedy victims was a child who was retrieved by the rescue teams and rushed to a nearby hospital. Meanwhile, the rescue members continued with their search for other survivors who could have been trapped under the building’s ravages.
Officers who arrived at the site soon after the accident were blocking off families and eyewitnesses who were curious to gather information on what was happening. Worry was written all over the faces of those who could not see their relatives, friends, and also seeing their property buried in the collapsed building.
It was a sad moment, more so for those who had lost their loved ones. At least for material things, one can always recover. However, for life, it is irreversible. Once it’s gone, it is no more.
The Secret Behind Crumbling Buildings
When buildings collapse, the first idea that comes to our minds is a weak foundation, poor construction, and so on. Unfortunately, such cases have been on the rise with the growth of real estate. Since the establishment of plots is currently the in thing, many tend to invest in real estate. Nevertheless, investors have been clouded by the desire to maximize profits other than quality.
Project managers no longer see the need for Environmental Impact Assessment. Instead, they are paying off environmental officers to get access to permits. And it is not long before they erect tall storeys. Constant violation of planning permits has tremendously contributed to the tumbling of buildings.
In some instances, the project managers construct extra floors in stories with unstable foundations. And usually, it is not long before the building comes down killing people. Environmental Impact Assessment is essential when it comes to projects. For it asserts how safe the project is for both the inhabitants and the environment.
How is the Government of Egypt Handling the Situation?
The surging cases of buildings collapsing have drawn the Government’s attention. Recently, the Government launched a crackdown on illegal construction of facilities across the country. In some cases, the state authorities have promised to jail, fine violators, and most of all, destroy buildings with poor constructions.
Although demolition of weak buildings and stopping faulty projects is likely to bring many controversies, safety is mandatory. More so, the real estate investors ate going to clash with the Egyptian government. It is high time real estate investors abide by regulations and go for perfect building materials.
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