Kenyan surveyors warn apartment owners to prepare buildings for El Nino rains
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The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya has flagged drainage, basement and roof risks for apartments and homes ahead of expected El Nino rains, urging owners and managers to inspect and maintain buildings early.
The Institution of Surveyors of Kenya (ISK) has flagged major risks for apartments and homes ahead of the expected El Nino rains, warning that heavy rainfall could expose weaknesses in drainage systems, basements, retaining walls, roofs and other vulnerable structures.
The surveyors urged property owners and managers to complete inspections and maintenance before the rains intensify rather than waiting for damage to occur, and to keep emergency arrangements in place.
"ISK urges property professionals and building owners to treat the rainfall outlook as a reason for early inspection, maintenance and contingency planning rather than waiting for flooding or building damage to occur," the institution said in a statement, adding that early maintenance and timely response can reduce avoidable damage and protect occupants.
On basements, the surveyors advised owners to review flood protection, waterproofing, drainage and sump-pump arrangements and to avoid storing critical equipment in areas vulnerable to water ingress. They also recommended restricting access to lower basement parking during intense rainfall where a property has been identified as at risk of flooding.
Landlords and facility managers were also asked to clear drains, culverts and stormwater channels of silt, waste and leaves, inspect gutters, downpipes and roof outlets, and check retaining walls, foundations and slopes for signs of waterlogging, erosion or instability. The guidance follows a World Meteorological Organization forecast of a nearly 100 per cent likelihood of El Nino conditions and a Kenya Meteorological Service outlook for above-average rainfall during the October-December season.