Building control regulations to be launched The Ministry of Infrastructure will today launch building control regulations aimed at improving and harmonising the standards of construction in Rwanda. The regulations outline guidelines and minimum standards for facilities for people with disabilities, architectural plans, building inspection and maintenance, fire safety, and drainage plumbing and sanitation among others. These are expected to promote safety, security, improved living and economic efficiency. Some of the excerpts for example for permits and application stress that any person intending to constructing or modify a building or to alter its use shall submit an application for a building permit to the Building Committee; before a building permit is issued, a person who intends to carryout building operations shall, where practicable, obtain approval from the authorities concerned with the planning requirements; and applicant shall submit to the Committee, in addition to the written application, the plans and particulars as may be required by public notice issued with regard to certain areas or major urban design schemes. Construction investment roundtable opens Tuesday The construction investment roundtable organised by Rwanda Development Board (RDB) aimed at persuading potential investors opens tomorrow at Kigali Serena Hotel. The 2-day event will attract local, regional and international potential investors from the construction sector. It will also be attended by government officials and representatives from the construction industry, real estate companies, development consultants as well as infrastructure specialists from all over the world. According to RDB officials, President Paul Kagame is expected to grace the forum. The construction and civil engineering sector is buoyant and is the major contributor of tax revenue in the country. Rosemary Mugisha Mbabazi, the RDB Acting Director General for Investment Promotion said that the country is currently the largest importer of construction materials in the region. The industry is estimated to be growing by 16 percent. Ends
