A three-storey commercial building in Nyabugogo, Kigali, is set to be demolished after developing serious defects during construction. The building, worth over Rwf800 million, had attracted widespread attention on social media due to its deteriorating structure and leaning upper section. Local residents had raised concerns about the quality of the work as construction progressed, citing visible cracks from the time the first floor was finished.
The building's owner, Twahirwa Theoneste, estimates that he has suffered a major financial loss, with the completed building valued at Rwf800 million or more. He attributes the problem to mistakes made during the construction process, rather than a shortage of materials. Theoneste urges construction professionals to respect clients' investments and deliver high-quality structures that meet required standards.
Warning signs of the building's defects appeared early, with videos circulating on social media in August showing parts of the structure falling away while workers were still on site. Residents reported that cracks were visible from the start of construction, and defects identified included improperly mixed cement and steel reinforcement that did not meet standards. The structure's instability posed a risk to workers and potential occupants.
The City of Kigali has ordered the complete demolition of the building, citing a technical assessment that found no safe way to retain parts of it. Laboratory tests initially suggested that some sections could be removed while others were preserved, but further technical studies ruled out that option. Demolition has since begun, and any new construction will require a fresh application for a building permit.
The failure of the building has raised questions about construction standards, professional accountability, and the risks faced by property owners who rely on architects and construction engineers. The specific responsibility of each professional involved has not been established, but the case highlights the importance of engaging qualified professionals with necessary expertise.
The City of Kigali's spokesperson, Emma Claudine Ntirenganya, urges investors to engage qualified professionals and ensure they belong to relevant professional bodies, promoting compliance with standards and accountability. The building's collapse illustrates the financial consequences of poor construction, beyond the immediate danger to human life.
The demolition serves as a lesson in the importance of construction standards and qualified professionals in preventing such failures, protecting lives, and avoiding preventable losses. The owner will lose the structure already built and may need to start again if he chooses to pursue the project.
Key points
- The building's defects included improperly mixed cement and steel reinforcement that did not meet standards.
- The City of Kigali ordered the complete demolition of the building due to construction defects.
- The failure highlights the risks property owners face when professionals do not deliver work meeting construction requirements.
