Around the globe building codes of modern governments are failing under the weight of corruption, lax regulation and the inevitable force of nature. This is a J4T investigation into the poor building-code enforcement that’s allowed sub-standard construction around the word that costs many their lives.
The problem is acute in Kenya, where buildings in poor neighborhoods are prone to collapse.
It’s even more pronounced in Mexico City — a city with a history of temblors that should know better — a recent earthquake delivered tragic consequences of the risk a government takes when it tolerates corruption and poor regulation of building codes.
MORE FROM THIS ISSUE
Built to Fail: The Ravaged Landscape of Construction Corruption
In Nairobi, images of collapsed apartment and business towers have captured public attention and directed light to a global problem. Poor building-code enforcement has allowed sub-standard construction, with tragic consequences from Nairobi to Mexico City.
Mexico City: Worst Case Scenario
September’s deadly earthquake in Mexico City exposed to harsh light what experts and activists had been complaining about for years: Construction in Mexico City often violates safety standards, a practice encouraged by corruption.