TERROR FOR MCAS AS THEIR COUNTY ASSEMBLY BUILDING COLLAPSE

Efforts are underway to rescue workers trapped under a new three-storey building that collapsed in Nyamira County on Thursday, May 27. 

The building was set to house the county assembly’s headquarters. 

Three workers were rushed to Nyamira County Referral Hospital after police officers and medical service providers arrived at the scene. 

A number of residents were reported to be assisting the police and Red Cross officials to rescue several trapped workers.

The number of those stranded under the multi-million building was, however, not yet ascertained by the time of publication. Reports allege that at least 10 workers are feared dead. 

Rescue efforts were, nonetheless, hampered by the heavy rains experienced in the area. 

It was further reported that the police were having a hard time chasing away irate crowd who were baying for the blood of the contractor.

Eyewitnesses lamented that construction was ongoing at the time the building collapsed and that the workers couldn’t rush to safety.

The contractor had already completed two floors and was putting the final touches on the third floor.

MPs, in March 2021, withdrew a bill that had granted the National Construction Authority (NCA) power to destroy buildings in all 47 counties.

The lawmakers demanded that some sections of the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 be amended, especially the sections affecting the National Construction Authority Act, 2011.

Majority Leader Amos Kimunya raised concerns that the sections granting NCA power to pull down faulty buildings were contentious and affected counties, thus would require the input of the Senate hence delaying the passage of the bill.

“Having acceded to a request by the Leader of Majority to withdraw the sections touching on NCA and the Land Registration Act, I direct that the Business Laws (Amendment) Bill, 2020 shall proceed to Second Reading without reference to the sections touching on the two Acts of Parliament,” Speaker Justin Muturi ruled.

By Kenyans.co.ke