PHYSICAL INSPECTION REPORT ON MARAMBA OLD PEOPLE’S HOME.
[Document
subtitle]
Contents Page
1.0 Introduction…………………………………………………………………………………….1
2.0 Site Audit………..………………………………………………………………………………. 2
3.0 Inspection Fingings……………………………………………………………..……………2
3.1 Planning of
Works………………..……………………………………………………….2
3.2 Energy
Audit…..…………………………………………………………………………….3
3.3 Landscaping
Works……………………………………………………………………….4
3.4 Structural
Renovations………………………………………………………………….5
3.5
Recommendations………………………………………………..……………………….6
Conclusion
1.0 INTRODUCTION
As Part of the
commemoration of World Old People’s Day that falls on 1st October,
The Parks & Gardens Section of Livingstone City Council Engineering
Department was called upon to carry out an inspection of Maramba Old People’s
Home in the City of Livingstone. This report is a compilation of the findings
of the inspection which was carried out on 10/09/2024. From the outset, it
should be stated here that, the initial request was for Parks & Gardens to
merely make an assessment of the request to prune or trim some trees at the
facility and make recommendations on any Landscaping works that they can embark
on in order to improve the living environment of the residents and staff at the
facility. The first impression gotten when we arrived was the sight of the
residents huddled up under the cool shade provided by the existing Trees. We
therefore, instead had to refocus on the trimming of dead dry branches which
were precariously hanging overhead. Upon closer scrutiny of the site, it was
however, deemed necessary to conduct a holistic assessment of what needs to be
done to the facility in order to make necessary recommendations for renovations to
be done to it so as to improve the quality of life for the occupants.
As a section, we
may not be experts in the field of civil and structural engineering works but
there were observable areas that need urgent attention even from a lay perspective. It is therefore, felt that, for the purpose
of ascertaining a comprehensive Bill of Quantities of construction materials
needed and general scope of works, the management of The Home are hereby
strongly advised to engage the services of professional contractors.
2.0 SITE AUDIT
The inspection
involved a guided tour of the facility during which observations were made of
the features that need to be worked on. As stated earlier, the initial brief
was to merely carry out an assessment for Tree trimming. However, is was
evident upon reaching the Home that the residents were mostly seated under the
shade provided by the very trees they had requested to be pruned. It is
therefore felt that, what will need to be done is shaping the Hedges and
pruning a few low lying dead branches. There is a Big Tree that has some Dry
Dead Branches which need to be cut as soon as possible. These branches were
situated rather too high into the tree canopy hence the services of a Cherry
Picker were required. The problem we were bound to face was the maneuverability
of the vehicle considering the constrained space inside the facility. However,
we are determined to move in quickly to carry out the Tree pruning so as to
protect and safeguard the lives of our senior citizens. The tree pruning assignment
was successfully executed the very next day!
3.0 INSPECTION FINDINGS
3.1 PLANNING OF WORKS
It is of vital
importance that before any works can be embarked on, the residents and staff of
Maramba Home for the Aged be engaged, so that they can give feedback on what
they would like to be worked on and state their specific needs. This level of
engagement will also help them be more receptive to the changes that the
renovation works will bring about. Depending on the extent of the renovation
works to be carried out, there is need to seek Council Planning Permission or
approval. The other aspect that needs consultation on is the extent of changes
allowable due to the age of the structures. The National Heritage Conservation
Commission may need to be consulted so as to seek their guidance as to whether there
may be restrictions on what can be done to the old buildings.
3.2 ENERGY AUDIT
Zambia as a country
is still reeling from the Climate Change triggered effects of draught and
Livingstone as a City has not been spared. Maramba Home for The Aged is in dire
need off a standby Solar Power Generation system in order to ensure there is an
uninterruptible supply of electricity to the facility. The many dangers that
constant power outages and a poorly lit environment poses to the residents of advanced
age or in this demographic at the facility cannot be overemphasized.
There was a general
lack of adequate light sources around the buildings and the few that were
present need to be fitted with bulbs so that the residents and staff can be
afforded an opportunity of spending some time outdoors even in the evenings.
3.3 LANDSCAPING WORKS
The remodeling of
the existing Land surface will mostly involve manipulating the already planted
vegetation and suggesting more plant species especially flowers which are going
to enhance the visual appeal of the place. With the onset of the rains, there
is need to arrest the possible effects of gully erosion by flattening the land
and creating water drainage canals which will be discharging excess runoff water
into built up concrete drainages leading out of the facility.
There are a few fruit trees whose bases do not hold
water hence bucket like shapes need to be made by heaping soil around the tree
bases as these can go a long way in
ensuring the Trees receive adequate water and hold it long enough for it to
seep into the root system. Used tyres or pan bricks can also be used for this
purpose by creating rings around these fruit trees. These can then be filled up
with dry leaves or grass to serve as a water retaining mulch. This will ensure
the residents receive a constant supply of fresh fruits from the orchard. The
flower beds need to be shaped nicely in this manner so that they can also hold
water. The existing Duranta erecta ssp. Plant Hedges needs regular trimming using a
pruning shear so as to keep them well tendered and manicured.
It is hereby strongly
suggested that there be a small portion of Land which should be set aside for
planting grass so that the residents can also experience such a natural surface
as most of the ground is largely devoid of any vegetation.
3.4 STRUCTURAL RENOVATIONS
The buildings have
over time, on account of their age, suffered from visible signs of dereliction
hence are in dire need of renovation. The walls and floors have cracks and this
seriously threats the structural integrity of the buildings and thus pose and
existential threat to the occupants. There is need to fit all the roofs with
gutters so that the roof rainwater runoff is directed onto spoon drains which
should be constructed so that it does not cause damage to the ground by digging
trenches during heavy down pours of rain.
All the buildings need to be fitted with
modern ceiling boards and the floors needs to have rough or nonslip tiles laid.
The outside ground
consists of clay soils which would become a serious danger during the rainy
season by the residents slipping and falling hence more walk ways need to be
constructed using either fine stones or
rough stone slabs and the existing ones need to have hand railings.
It is important
that all the suggested works be done quickly so as not to cause too much
anxiety among the residents from their impeded mobility during the period of
the renovation works.
3.5 RECOMMENDATIONS
In light of the
brief inspection carried out at Maramba Old People’s Home on 10th September,
2024, the following recommendations are hereby strongly made and need to be attended
to as a matter of greater urgency and should be not be carried out as a mere façade
or superficial exercise done to commemorate the World Old People’s Day.
1.
As a long term measure, the current
asbestos roofing sheets need to be removed and replaced with modern IBR or
Corrugated iron or metal roofing material as the asbestos exposes the elderly
residents to disease on account of its
debilitating carcinogenic effects. The European union begun banning the use of
Asbestos roofing in the 1980s with the full ban taking effect in 2005. Asbestos is a group
of minerals that were widely used in construction, insulation, and
manufacturing due to their durability and fire-resistant properties. However,
asbestos poses significant health risks when disturbed or damaged, releasing
harmful fibers into the air. The dangers of asbestos include:
1.1 Lung Cancer: Asbestos is a known
carcinogen, and inhaling its fibers can cause lung cancer.
1.2 Mesothelioma: A rare and aggressive
cancer affecting the lining of the lungs, abdomen, or heart.
1.3 Asbestosis: A chronic lung disease
causing shortness of breath, coughing, and scarring.
1.4 Pleural Plaques: Calcified deposits on
the lining of the lungs, often indicative of asbestos exposure.
1.5 Pleural Effusion: Fluid buildup in the
lungs, potentially leading to respiratory distress.
1.6 Respiratory Issues: Asbestos exposure
can cause chronic coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath.
When
asbestos-containing materials (ACMs) are disturbed or damaged, they release
fibers into the air, posing a risk to:
1.6.1
Construction workers
1.6.2
Demolition workers
1.6.3
Maintenance personnel
1.6.4
Homeowners (during renovations or repairs)
1.6.5 People
living near asbestos-contaminated sites
2.0 Introduce species richness of Biodiversity of
flora and Fauna. This should be done by purchasing various ornamental plant
species especially the flowering ones and planting them all around the
facility. The Department of Parks and Wildlife should be engaged so that some
manageable small rodents and birds such as Rabbits and peacocks can also be
introduced at the facility to spice up the attractions of the place. There is a
possibility that some of our older relatives resident at the facility may not
have seen these animals before in their whole life.
3.0
For safety reasons, there should be more walkways with Guard hand rails and bare
ground surfaces should be covered with nonslip stone slabs.
4.0 The
Old building that used to be a Pig Pen should either be repurposed for another
use for either keeping egg laying chickens or as a storage room. It should not
be allowed to totally rundown as there were financial resources spent on it.
5.0 The
facility management is hereby urged to employ the services of a dedicated
professional florists and horticulturists to help take care of the surroundings
of these facility due to the many intangible Environmental health benefits of a
well taken care of green environment especially to the elderly.
6.0
The Building and living quarters are rather dingy and somewhat stuffy hence
there is need to have more aeration by opening up more window spaces to let in
more fresh air and natural light especially during the day. The windows should
come fitted with netting to keep away mosquitoes and other crawling insects. It
should be noted that Care be exercised not to over open up the living quarters
as this would make the residents susceptible to over exposure from the
increased draught. The rooms should be air conditioned and indoor heating
should be provided during very cold seasons for the Senior citizens.
7.0
The facility should be provided with more and better sitting benches and
chairs.
8.0
The facility needs to be supplied with modern Wheel chairs for those residents
who are incapable of movement unassisted. However, as much as possible, the
residents should be encouraged to be moving around as a form of mild exercise
to prevent the debilitating effects of tissue atrophy from leading a sedentary lifestyle.
9.0
There were a number of identified mounds of Earth which can be fenced off and
used as vegetable gardening spaces to provide the residents with an endless
supply of fresh vegetables.
10.0
The powers that be should consider bringing all Old people’s Homes in the
country under a TRUST for closer and better standardized management protocols as
this would lead to the uplifting of Living standards for our senior Citizens.
N.B. The
management staff of the facility are hereby called upon to seek the services of
a Professional contractor to come up with a detailed Bill of Quantities and
scope of works for all the recommended renovations. This will help when
lobbying for financial assistance from Business houses and other donors.
CONCLUSION
The
dignity that should be accorded our older generation is something we as a Nation
need to attach great importance to. The foregoing report may be specifically
meant for Maramba Old people’s Home because
it is the only place visited but issues raised and recommendations made in this
report are intended to be crosscutting and are thus expected to have wider or
general applicability. The Nation’s prosperity and standing in the comity of
civilized Nations may well be tied to how we treat those who are in the
twilight of their years and it is this reality that must be embraced and taken
seriously not because of any religious obligation to do so but simply that it
is the decent thing to do. This report has highlighted the many seemingly small
modifications to the existing physical structures at Maramba Old People’s Home
that should be made to the living environment of the staff and residents of
this facility so that they remain sufficiently motivated. It is now the
responsibility of well-wishers especially Business houses to come on board as
part of their Social Corporate Responsibility to render material and financial
resources to support the urgently needed renovation works to Maramba Old
People’s Home
Contact Information
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namakando nalikando-sinyama |
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Tel +260777764514/+260966864514(Whatsapp) E-mail: nature.grove2020@gmail.com |
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