Construction
Construction
ollowing the passage of Hurricane Ivan, Which scored a direct hit on the Island of Grenada in Sept. 2004 a number of construction weaknesses and shortcomings were revealed with reference to how houses and other buildings are constructed.This was further compounded by the passage of hurricane Emily the following year which clearly demonstrated that the cost of repairs will always be higher than the cost of doing it right in the first place. Houses that were repaired or reconstructed post Ivan in adherence to the Building Code remained in tact, while those that were quickly repaired using pre-Ivan methods suffered more extensive damages.Considering that following Ivan, it was estimated that 90% of the housing stock was damaged. The housing market had an urgent need to rebuild itself. Since then the Government of Grenada has made considerable efforts, in association with the Agency for Reconstruction and Development and the Housing Authority of Grenada, for all stakeholders to adhere to the regulations of The Grenada Building Code. There has also been a formation of the Construction Association of Grenada which serves to enhance awareness among contractors and others in the private sector about the importance of adhering to the Building Code, and avoiding shortcuts that can only result in more expenses for homeowners in the future. The formation of the Construction Association of Grenada has also served to enhance awareness among contractors and others in the private sector about the importance of adhering to the Building Code, and avoiding shortcuts that can only result in more expenses for homeowners in the future. Government has also launched the Construction Quality Assurance Project, which will provide Training for all stakeholders aswell as • Improved procedures for construction permit review and approval incorporated into the Physical Planning Unit and other agencies involved in the development approval process; • Improved policies and procedures for home construction loans/disbursement approvals and
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