The National Land Management Agency today said that it is considering including checks of exterior wall finishes into safety inspections to improve the problem of loose building tiles falling from buildings.
The announcement comes after the Control Yuan on Saturday censured the Ministry of the Interior over the common occurrence of tiles falling from tall buildings.
The government watchdog said that the ministry lacks comprehensive regulations regarding inspection and maintenance of exterior wall finishes on old buildings.
Photo courtesy of the Taipei Construction Management Office
It also lacks relevant oversight and evaluation mechanisms, while building regulations lack clear requirements for the planning, design and construction phases, the Control Yuan said.
The agency in response said it would invite relevant ministries, local governments and construction organizations to discuss inspection methods, inspector qualifications and overall standards to improve building safety and safeguard pedestrians.
It has already instructed local governments to create comprehensive inspection, registration and reporting systems, which must be included in annual reports, it said.
The agency also vowed to conduct a long-term review of building regulations, including materials and construction methods.
It further reminded the public to conduct routine inspections of exterior walls and reinforce any hanging fixtures before typhoons or heavy rain, and after earthquakes.
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