LUSAKA’s Society Business Park, once a hub of modern development and business centre in the city’s skyline is now bracing for a less glamorous moment in its history as it prepares for a partial demolition.
Following weeks of engineering assessments and structural investigations led by the National Council for Construction (NCC), engineers and Architects, the institutions identified structural concerns that have prompted the decision.
NCC announced that certain sections of the complex are too unstable to remain standing.
On August 27 this year, NAPSA issued an urgent closure notice of the building, citing the fear of a potential building collapse.
Tenants were given 10 days to vacate the premises due to fears that parts of the structure could collapse.
NCC executive director Professor Paul Makasa confirmed that the office block and parking base have been earmarked for demolition.
And a named hotel within the premises has escaped the wrecking ball as it was assessed to be structurally sound.
Prof. Makasa assured the nation that the demolition will be carried out strategically to prevent any damage to nearby buildings.
The demolishing will be done in phases, particularly focusing on the areas housing the infrastructure control center and water systems, which were flagged as high-risk,” he explained.
Professor Makasa also confirmed that African Brothers, the contractor responsible for the construction and a member of the NCC has been engaged regarding the future of the project.
“Now that everyone has left, some parts of the park will have to be demolished as recommended by engineering experts and other stakeholders. The ones that we are going to demolish is the area that has the pumps and all the infrastructural control centre,” said Prof. Makasa.
By Catherine Pule
Kalemba, October 2, 2024
