EIZ probes billboards puzzle
By JOHN KOMBE
THE Engineering Institute of Zambia (EIZ) has instituted investigations to ascertain whether the erection of bill boards in Lusaka was being undertaken by professionals and if all engineering protocols were being followed.
This follows the continued collapsing of bill
boards around the city after heavy rains.
EIZ president, Abel Ng’ambi said that the institute was concerned at the many billboards that were succumbing to strong winds and rain.
Mr Ng’ambi said that this was posing a great danger to the public and must be investigated to ensure public safety.
He disclosed that the EIZ was scheduled to meet Lusaka City Council (LCC) who were mandated to oversee issues around billboards in the city.
In his view, Mr. Ng’ambi said that the issue was an engineering problem that needed to be looked at with an expert’s eye.
He pointed out that the billboards fall in the structural engineering category that was basically an area for civil engineers to undertake.
Mr Ng’ambi expressed concern at the number of billboards that were falling off in the past few weeks.
He wondered whether these billboards meet the engineering design specifications or if they were designed at all.
Mr Ng’ambi said that for one to put up a billboard, they needed to have an engineering design that must be done by a qualified civil engineer.
He was however hopeful that the meeting with the local authority will help to ascertain the engineering compliance.
