KINGSTON, Jamaica–The Kingston and St Andrew Municipal Corporation (KSAMC) is encouraging Jamaicans to make use of its complaint system to report possible observed breaches of the building code.

Senior building officer with the KSAMC, Duane Allison, told a recent JIS Think Tank that the complaint system is in addition to the corporation’s own robust surveillance system for breaches.

“We have several officers who patrol zones, specifically to check these buildings under construction. That’s how we identify breaches,” he said.

“There’s a complaint system, as well, that the public could call in and report. Most of the times when we get complaints, it is usually for construction going outside of working hours or construction taking place in vulnerable spaces,” Allison added.

To file a building code complaint with the KSAMC, persons can visit ksamc.gov.jm, select the “report breaches” section and submit details online, or call their hotlines at (876) 967-0585/4195, providing specifics such as the property address and nature of the breach.

“They would call us to say, come and investigate what we have seen. Probably construction on a gully reservation. They report that to us to say, come and investigate this construction [to see] if it’s approved,” Allison noted.

Individuals also can submit any supporting photos or other evidence with the report to assist the KSAMC in its investigation.

Allison assured the public that they have the option to remain anonymous when submitting reports.

“You could walk in, use our help desk and lodge a complaint, and you can remain anonymous. You don’t have to give your name or anything of the sort. If you want us to get back to you, then you have to leave a name,” he noted.

Reporting building code breaches ensures that built structures are up to the national standard in the event of seismic activity.

Jamaica is observing Earthquake Awareness Week from January 11 to 17 under the theme ‘Resilient Jamaica: We Weather the Storm and Brace for the Shake’, with the guidance of the Office of Disaster Preparedness and Emergency Management (ODPEM).

-JIS