Contractor arrested after building collapsed in Kapsabet.

A contractor and a foreman are in police custody after a national government building collapsed in Nandi County.

The two were arrested on Tuesday evening and locked up in Kapsabet central police station.

Addressing press at the police station, County commissioner Geoffrey Omoding said a section of the building broke down weakening the gutter level of the building which will lead to demolition of the whole building.

“It is a serious case that has led to the loss of taxpayer’s funds and it is our role to take legal action against any contractor executing the government projects at county level. We have seen many cases occurring due to infective architectural designs and poor workmanship across the country,” he said.

He was accompanied by Kagwa Njoroge the county works officer and police Commander Samson Ole Kinne.

Njoroge said the contractor was in a hurry to complete the construction.

“The mortar had not dried fully. The removal of the supporting structures exposed the building to weather elements thus weakened the gutter which led it to fall down,” said Njoroge.

County Commissioner has given an order for the whole building to be audited to establish the suitability and safety of the building.

“As its clear that all national government projects should be managed at the county level, all the ongoing projects must be audited to confirm their states. This will help to minimize the loss of public funds through shoddy works,” he said.