Mandatory soil test looms for developers before construction

The National Building Code 2024 specifies how much load every soil type can bear as guidance to contractors. [Courtesy]

Soil testing is now mandatory before construction, as stipulated in the National Building Code 2024, which took effect in March. The code provides more strict standards to the industry, including the provision of sanitary facilities and a changing room at the construction site.

The facilities, which should be done at a ratio of one for every 30 workers, must also be kept clean at all times.

The long-awaited code replaces the 1968 laws that players in the construction space had long lamented for being outdated and not cognisant of the emerging building technologies in the wake of climate change.