JEDDAH, 21 September 2006 -- A nationwide building code for implementing safety and public health standards will be issued soon, according to Saudi officials.

Jeddah Gov. Prince Mishal ibn Majed opened yesterday at the Jeddah Chamber of Commerce and Industry a seminar to inform businessmen working in the construction sector on the importance of establishing the code, its importance and purpose.

Officials from the National Committee for the Saudi Building Code, the Saudi Arabian Standards Organization (SASO) and Jeddah municipality spoke on the process of establishing the code.

Mohammed Al-Naqadi, from the Ministry of Municipal and Rural Affairs and a member of the national committee that formulated the new standard, explained that there has not been a consistent building standard, which has created discrepancies and confusion among government officials and private companies.

"The code will be issued in two groups: the basic regulations for buildings and the technical requirements," said Al-Naqadi. "The challenge is finding qualified people to approve applications and inspect sites."

The building code committee, relevant ministries, universities, Saudi Aramco experts and the Royal Commission for Jubail and Yanbu are working together to establish a center to train building inspectors and other related administrators.

The involved parties are also establishing the dispute-settlement procedures, which Al-Naqadi said would be issued in "a few months."

The committee is in the process of educating and raising awareness of the business community and the public on the SBC by holding seminars and conferences.

"A committee in Jeddah municipality contributed to the project by suggesting engineering offices to consult contractors on the standards needed," said Jeddah Mayor Adel Fakieh.

SASO General Director Nabeel Mulla said the new building code would be comprehensive, touching on all aspects of constructing a building in the Kingdom.

"There are specific standards for the legal aspects, electric works, public health, water, construction requirements and labor, and other regulations related to building, which will benefit all concerned parties," he said.

The Council of Ministers issued a decree five years ago approving the work plan of the national committee to conceptualize and implement building codes taking into consideration the quality of building materials and adequate protection against fire, earthquakes and heavy winds.

Accidents at construction sites are not rare in the Kingdom. Residents often complain about the haphazard construction methods employed by builders in busy neighborhoods. At least 76 pilgrims of different nationalities were killed and 62 others injured when a hotel building collapsed in Makkah three days before the beginning of the Haj in January this year.

By Maha Akeel

© Arab News 2006