Asbestos: A critical health hazard in government residential properties
Asbestos continues to pose a significant health risk in government residential properties across Honiara and provincial centres, underscoring the need for more public health awareness.
Philip Baura, Director of the Architect and Building Management Services Division (ABMSD) at the Ministry of Infrastructure Development, has issued a warning about the dangers associated with this hazardous material.
“We summed up from fieldwork that older government homes, especially those built during the British colonial era, contain asbestos.”
“The presence of this substance in building materials presents a serious threat to the health and safety of current inhabitants who are public servants,” Mr Baura stated.
Historically, asbestos was widely utilised in construction from the late 1800s until the 1980s, valued for its fire-resistant properties. However, it has long been known to cause severe health issues, including lung diseases and various forms of cancer.
In the Solomon Islands, asbestos is reportedly present in about 80% of residences and non-residences constructed prior to the 1980s.
In response to these risks, the government architect director reiterates his division’s commitment to safety and modernisation of government buildings.
“We will no longer endorse the use of building materials containing asbestos in future architecture projects, as outlined in the upcoming National Building Standard Bill.
“Furthermore, our team is actively engaged in the demolition of outdated structures constructed with this hazardous material.”
The destruction of Chinatown during the recent riots and the 2016 Gizo Hospital fire incident serve as stark reminders of the public health risks associated with asbestos exposure in older buildings, which can house toxic materials.
“We actively collaborate with licensed abatement contractors to ensure the safe removal of asbestos from government buildings in Honiara and provincial stations, thereby safeguarding both occupants and public health.”
“Most government residential houses identified for demolition are located in Honiara, but there are also older residential properties in provincial centres like Auki and Gizo,” Mr Baura said.
An asbestos awareness workshop coordinated by the Australian-funded Solomon Islands Infrastructure Program, ABMSD and Honiara City Council will be conducted tomorrow for local construction companies.
The awareness is to ensure local builders learn why asbestos is dangerous and banned, how it can be identified in buildings, how to remove it safely and its regulation that is captured in the upcoming building code bill.
END
MID statement