Rowley: TT getting earthquake ready

Seismic microzonation is defined as the process of subdividing a potential seismic or earthquake prone area into zones with respect to some geological and geophysical characteristics of the sites such as ground shaking, liquefaction susceptibility, landslide and rock fall hazard and earthquake-related flooding, so that seismic hazards at different locations within the area can correctly be identified. Microzonation provides the basis for site-specific risk analysis, which can assist in the mitigation of earthquake damage.

Noting the issue of the national building code has persisted for decades, Rowley observed, “What should concern us is whether we are complying and whether there is adquate enforcement of the building codes.” He explained that the construction of large buildings in the country conform to the California Code, “which is the highest standard in the world.” As he wondered whether the Opposition’s interest in building codes was “because of the shake yesterday,” Rowley recalled that the building constructed in Chaguanas to house the Tertiary Education Ministry, under the former People’s Partnership (PP) government, did not comply with seismic codes.

Rowley said as a result of this, that building had to be retrofitted under the People’s National Movement (PNM), so that the Agriculture Ministry could occupy the premises. He also recalled that “the last government was warned not to build the (Couva Children’s) Hospital on the Spring Vale fault” but they went ahead and did it anyway