RAJUK plans phased building risk assessments
RAJUK is taking phased measures to identify faulty and vulnerable buildings in Dhaka and reduce earthquake risks, its Chairman Engineer Md Riazul Islam said on Thursday, stressing that building height alone does not determine the likelihood of collapse.
He said faulty designs, unsuitable soil conditions and construction irregularities were also major factors behind building failures during earthquakes.
Speaking at a discussion titled “The Country at Earthquake Risk: What We Should Do”, organised by the Dhaka Utility Reporters Association (DURA) at the National Press Club, Riazul Islam said authorities could not assess every building in Dhaka simultaneously because of their huge number.
Instead, RAJUK has planned to conduct Rapid Visual Assessment, Preliminary Engineering Assessment and Detailed Engineering Assessment in phases, he said. The RAJUK Chairman stressed that buildings must be constructed with approved designs, proper soil tests and compliance with engineering standards to reduce earthquake risks.
Riazul warned that a building approved for six storeys would not be allowed to be illegally extended to 10 storeys or constructed in violation of its approved design.
He also highlighted the responsibilities of architects and engineers, saying professionals should remain involved in construction supervision and implementation.
Necessary action would be taken against professionals involved in irregularities, he added.
The RAJUK chief urged building owners to follow approved designs and obtain occupancy certificates. RAJUK has also taken an initiative to establish a research institution to strengthen its capacity to deal with earthquakes, Riazul said.
The institution will conduct risk assessments, raise public awareness and undertake research related to earthquake risks.
He stressed that reducing earthquake risks was not the sole responsibility of RAJUK and called for coordinated efforts involving city corporations, disaster management authorities, Fire Service and other relevant agencies.
Fire Service and Civil Defence Deputy Director Saleh Uddin said 41 fire stations around Dhaka had been earmarked for earthquake response and special response teams were ready.
He stressed the need for coordinated preparedness involving all stakeholders.
Speakers at the discussion underscored the importance of identifying vulnerable buildings, enforcing the Bangladesh National Building Code, conducting regular drills and training, and increasing public awareness.
Institute for Planning and Development (IPD) Executive Director Professor Dr Adil Mohammad Khan said earthquake risks also depended on the location and soil conditions of buildings.
Unplanned housing projects in weak and wetland areas could increase such risks, he said, urging strict enforcement of laws against construction on weak soil.
Dhaka Reporters Unity (DRU) General Secretary Mainul Hasan Sohel said illegal construction of additional floors on approved buildings was highly risky and such structures should be identified and inspected quickly.
DURA President Shahjahan Mollah called for a stronger media role in raising public awareness about earthquake risks and preparedness.
BUET Professor of Civil Engineering Dr Mehedi Hasan Ansari presented the keynote paper at the event.
DURA General Secretary Zahirul Islam moderated the programme. Among others, DURA Publicity and Publication Secretary Miraj Mahbub Ifti, senior journalist Ripon Talukder and journalists from different media outlets were present.
