By Ambrose Gahene,
KAMPALA
The National Building Review Board (NBRB) has raised concerns on mushrooming fake Health Clubs, commonly known as Saunas or steam baths across Kampala City and Wakiso District. This was disclosed by the executive director NBRB, Eng.Flavia G. Bwire at a Press Conference at the NBRB Head Office in Kampala on Monday.
Eng. Bwire said in a statement that in September 2019, an explosion was reported at a Health Club in Naalya, in Kira Municipality in which several people were injured, adding that on July 2, 2021, another explosion occurred at Experience Inn Health Club in Wakiso district and claimed two lives.
“Of the two casualties, the operator died on spot, and the other, a client, died five days later in hospital due to third degree burns”, she said.
She pointed out that; the pressure build-up at the time of explosion was simulated and found to be 272 percent of the installed capacity, hence the explosion.
“This high rise in pressure was associated with an unregulated change in temperature of up to 320 degrees, which was unnecessary, wasteful and catastrophic”, she added.
As a measure to crack down on fake Saunas, Eng. Bwire said District Building Committees should endeavor to identify the location of all existing health clubs whose steam baths and sauna heaters are wood fired.
“The installations that can be retrofitted to achieve safety be done whilst those that cannot be improved, the occupation permit be revoked. There is no cost that is equivalent to life”, she pointed out.
Herbert Ziwa, NBRB Communications Officer, while answering questions from journalists, said owners of Saunas should engage professionals to assess the integrity of their installations.
He said owners of Health Clubs should ensure routine maintenance of the installations is carried out and logged for records.
“We call upon building committees, developers and the general public to adhere to the guidance to prevent the re-occurrence of explosions in Health Clubs”, he said.
