Last week we looked at the importance of carefully choosing where to build in order to avoid the loss of property and lives. We also saw the need for professionals and the government to be involved in assessing and approving the site. Now we will look at some of the areas in which we should avoid placing buildings. Among these are:

The banks of gullies or other manmade waterways such as canals. Buildings being placed along gully banks should be at least 20 ft. away from the bank and should have the approval of the Local Authorities.

In a dry riverbed. This may not be as farfetched as you think as some rivers remain dry for a long time and people forget their original course. It is recommended that a distance of 50 ft. be observed for building along a river.

In a Protected area. These are specially designated areas that include parks and forest reserves and special care is given to protecting the environment and ecosystems in these areas.

On hilly, bare terrains. This is a recipe for disaster when there are heavy, torrential rains as the absence of vegetation will mean the movement of soil. This can result in land slippages and mudslides.

At the foot of a volcano. Lands around a volcano are known to be very fertile. They are however most likely the first to be affected by ash and lava from volcanic eruptions.

In a flood-prone valley or area. Usually, these areas are well-known and markers may exist to show the height to which the water may have previously risen.

environmental disasters

If you are planning your dream house or just want to ensure that there is a cover over your head, make sure to do it right and check the location. Failure to do so could mean your house or building moving downstream, being lost under a mudslide, submerged in flood waters or some other disaster which could have been prevented.

Whilst it is never good to second guess professionals, do some investigations of your own. If you are building in an area unfamiliar to you, ask some 'old timers' what they know about the general geography of the area and whether there have been any major environmental disasters in the past. Also, if you are tempted to build without the government agencies' approval, think again, it may cost you more than you planned.

Ann Marie Rodriques

PeaceWater Services

Send questions or comments to peacewaterservices@yahoo.com