Extinguishing The Risk . . . BCC Orders Closure of Unsafe Buildings

THE Bulawayo City Council (BCC) has issued evacuation orders for three buildings in the central business district (CBD) after authorities discovered that they were being used for activities that do not meet the required safety standards.

Although the names of the buildings could not be disclosed, the city council noted that there was an unregulated change of use underway in the city with the current wave of buildings being partitioned.

The move comes amid a rise in fire incidents in the city centre, prompting the local authority to tighten enforcement of building safety regulations.

Recent fire incidents in Bulawayo’s city centre include the blaze that gutted the popular eatery, Fairy Café, along Robert Mugabe Way last month, destroying property worth US$1 million and leaving 55 employees jobless.

On Friday night, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade responded swiftly to a fire outbreak at Slice Pizzeria, a popular takeaway outlet located along Joshua Mqabuko Nkomo Street.

Fire-fighters rushed to the scene after reports of smoke emanating from the eatery’s kitchen area.

The emergency team managed to contain the blaze quickly before it could spread to other parts of the building or neighbouring businesses.

The incidents have raised concerns over fire safety compliance in older buildings within the CBD, particularly where commercial activities are conducted in spaces not originally designed for such use.

In response to questions from Sunday News, Mrs Nesisa Mpofu, BCC Corporate Communications Manager, said the city had taken action against buildings deemed unsafe for certain activities.

She explained that inspections carried out by council officials revealed some premises were operating in ways that compromise fire safety regulations.

“Yes, the city has issued evacuation orders to three buildings that are not suitable for certain services and do not meet the required safety standards,” said Mrs Mpofu.

The council spokesperson, however, declined to name the condemned buildings, stating that it was not their policy to disclose the identities of their clients.

She added that authorities have also observed a worrying trend of rampant misuse of building spaces, particularly basements.

“The City has noted a disturbing trend where basements have been turned into shops, restaurants and lettable units,” she said.

According to the local authority, such practices pose serious safety risks, as many basements are not designed to accommodate commercial activities or residential occupancy — especially where proper ventilation and fire escape routes are lacking.

Mrs Mpofu revealed that inspections had shown most buildings lack firefighting equipment and servicing, have poor housekeeping, faulty electrical installations, unauthorised change of use and lack emergency preparedness plans.

“The current fire safety regulations and building codes include the Model Building By-laws 1977, Bulawayo Fire Brigade By-laws and Bulawayo Roads and Streets By-laws. These are legal instruments that are not easily amended.

However, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade By-laws have recently been revised to reflect current developments and are awaiting approval. These regulations are regularly reviewed to align with prevailing standards.

“Public buildings are inspected at least once annually for fire safety compliance; additional inspections may be carried out on request by building owners.

Checks include fire safety equipment such as extinguishers, hose reels and hydrants, emergency exits and signage, assembly points, housekeeping, gangways, lighting, electrical faults and emergency preparedness plans,” said the council spokesperson.

Mrs Mpofu added that the Bulawayo Fire and Ambulance Service currently issues penalties to properties handling hazardous commodities such as fuel and gas. They also advise building owners to rectify identified issues.

“The fire safety regulations and building codes include the Model Building By-laws 1977, Bulawayo Fire Brigade By-laws and Bulawayo Roads and Streets By-laws. These are legal instruments that are not easily amended. However, the Bulawayo Fire Brigade By-laws have been revised to reflect current developments and are awaiting approval.

These regulations are regularly reviewed to meet current standards. The revised Bulawayo Fire Brigade By-laws include provisions for fines for non-compliance with safety standards. It is anticipated that their approval will enhance fire safety standards,” she added. *Herald*