Experts Blame Building Collapses On Poor Supervision And Construction Shortcuts

Construction professionals have attributed the increasing incidence of building collapses in Ghana to poor supervision, the use of substandard materials and the tendency of developers to abandon professional oversight after obtaining building permits.

Speaking on The Big Convo on 3Music TV, an architect Percy Ebo Sackey and technical sales engineer Rodney Moses said many property owners fail to keep architects and engineers involved throughout the construction process, creating opportunities for costly mistakes and structural failures.

According to Sackey, many developers wrongly believe that once architectural drawings have been completed and permits secured, the work of professionals is finished.

“One of the biggest problems we have in the country is when our developers and builders believe that once they get their drawings or their design or their permit, they are good to go,” he said.

He stressed that architects and engineers should remain involved from the beginning of construction until completion to ensure that contractors follow approved specifications and standards.

Sackey explained that while assemblies have a responsibility to inspect projects, developers also have a duty to engage professionals to monitor construction activities on their behalf.

He warned that contractors sometimes alter approved designs by changing building materials, reducing reinforcement specifications or modifying construction methods without consulting engineers.

According to him, such changes can compromise the structural integrity of buildings and create hidden defects that may only become apparent years later.

Moses on the other hand, pointed to a lack of technical knowledge among many clients as a contributing factor.

He said some contractors exploit this knowledge gap by substituting specified materials with cheaper alternatives while charging clients for higher-quality products.

“You the client don’t even have an idea what a 16-millimetre iron rod looks like,” he said, explaining how some contractors may use smaller reinforcement bars than those specified in approved drawings.

The engineer noted that quantity surveyors are available to help developers understand project costs and material requirements, but many clients avoid hiring them in an effort to reduce expenses.

Both experts argued that cost-cutting often begins at the planning stage, where some developers engage unqualified persons instead of licensed professionals.

Sackey said building projects involve several technical stages, including planning, design and construction, all of which require professional expertise.

He added that developers sometimes ignore engineering advice and make changes to projects midway through construction, including adding extra floors that were not part of the original design.

According to him, engineers calculate the loads a structure is expected to carry, and any significant changes can place excessive stress on the building.

The architect also raised concerns about weak enforcement of building regulations, saying some projects differ significantly from the plans originally approved by local authorities.

He noted that assemblies are often understaffed and lack the resources needed to effectively monitor the growing number of construction projects across the country.