This stunning retreat promises to redefine luxury and tranquillity on the shores of Lake Victoria and will be a scenery, let alone experience, to savour.

Photos and videos obtained by this website indicate that there has been great progress with the construction of the resort, and the project is fast taking shape and approaching completion.

Nestled on a sprawling 19-acre island on Lake Victoria, Paradise Island Resort combines breathtaking natural beauty with world-class accommodations.

The resort boasts 10 Standard Cottages, 11 Cliffhanger Cottages with panoramic views, 14 Deluxe Cottages (2BHK), and three elegantly designed Executive Villas.

Every unit is meticulously crafted to immerse guests in the serene ambience of the island while providing ultimate comfort and privacy.

Surrounded by lush greenery, rocky landscapes, and a haven of diverse bird species, the island is a dream destination for birdwatchers and nature enthusiasts.

Whether seeking adventure or a peaceful retreat, guests will find an ideal balance of relaxation and excitement amid the island’s pristine environment and luxurious amenities.

This groundbreaking project is the work of the Ruparelia Group, under its renowned Speke Group of Hotels, a brand synonymous with excellence in Uganda and East Africa’s hospitality sector.

With a portfolio that includes iconic establishments such as Speke Resort Munyonyo, Speke Resort Convention Centre, Kabira Country Club, Speke Apartments, and Speke Hotel, the Ruparelia Group, led by business mogul Dr Sudhir Ruparelia, continues to elevate the country’s tourism industry.

The post Paradise Island Resort: A luxurious escape taking shape on Lake Victoria appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Understanding Land Tenure Systems

Uganda operates under four land tenure systems: Mailo, Freehold, Leasehold, and Customary.

• Mailo land is most common in central Uganda and often comes with legal complexities, such as tenant rights under the Land Act.
• Freehold land offers perpetual ownership and is ideal for buyers seeking full ownership rights.
• Leasehold land is common for urban plots and government-owned properties, typically offered for a specified number of years.
• Customary land involves communal ownership, mostly in rural areas, and may lack formal documentation, making verification crucial.

Conduct a Title Search

Before purchasing, it is essential to verify the authenticity of the land title. This can be done at the Ministry of Lands, Housing, and Urban Development or through the district land office. A title search confirms ownership, boundaries, and any encumbrances such as mortgages or disputes.

Engage a Qualified Surveyor

A professional surveyor ensures that the land boundaries match the title deed. Boundary disputes are common in Uganda, especially in rural areas, and a surveyor’s report provides clarity before finalising the transaction.

Check for Land Encumbrances

Many properties may have disputes or claims from third parties, such as family members or tenants. Buyers should confirm that the land is free of any encumbrances, including pending court cases or overlapping claims.

Hire a Lawyer

Engaging a qualified land lawyer ensures that the transaction adheres to Ugandan property laws. A lawyer can also draft and review the sale agreement, ensuring clarity on terms of payment, transfer of ownership, and dispute resolution mechanisms.

Assess Land Use and Zoning Regulations

Different areas have specific zoning regulations governing residential, commercial, agricultural, or industrial use. Buyers should verify that the intended use of the land aligns with local zoning laws to avoid penalties or demolition.

Consider Accessibility and Utilities

Access to roads, water, and electricity significantly impacts land value and usability. Buyers should inspect the property and assess the availability of essential utilities and infrastructure.

Factor in Future Development Plans

Investigating local development plans can offer insights into the land’s potential value appreciation. Proximity to upcoming roads, schools, or commercial centres may increase its appeal, while planned industrial projects might reduce its residential desirability.

Understand Tax Obligations

Land transactions attract taxes, including stamp duty, which is typically 1% of the land’s value. Buyers should ensure these payments are cleared to avoid legal issues during ownership transfer.

Beware of Brokers and Middlemen

While brokers can provide useful leads, some may inflate prices or misrepresent property details. It is advisable to deal directly with the owner or use a reputable agent to mitigate risks.

Verify Ownership and Spousal Consent

If the landowner is married, spousal consent is mandatory under Ugandan law. Buyers should confirm this to prevent future claims by the spouse.

Finalising the Purchase

Once all due diligence is completed, the sale agreement is signed, and payments are made, the transfer of ownership must be registered with the land registry. This ensures the buyer’s name appears on the title deed, solidifying ownership.

By adhering to these steps, prospective land buyers in Uganda can minimise risks and secure their investments transparently and legally. With Uganda’s real estate sector growing rapidly, informed decisions remain critical in avoiding costly disputes or losses.

The post Key Factors to Consider When Buying Land in Uganda appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Noise pollution doesn’t just stop at the borders of the construction site — it can also reverberate into surrounding neighbourhoods, disrupting peace and impacting the quality of life. In light of these issues, construction firms and contractors bear the dual responsibility of safeguarding their workforce’s health and minimizing their operations’ disruptive impact on the community. 

In this article, we’ll dive into the types of construction noise, what causes it, who it impacts, rules and regulations of construction noise, and how it can be reduced. 

Types of Noise in Construction

Continuous Noise

Continuous noise in construction persists for an extended period. Unlike impulsive noise which comes in bursts, continuous noise is steady and unvarying, similar to a drone or a hum that stays constant over time. Machinery or processes that operate without interruption often produce this noise.

Some examples of continuous noise in construction include the humming of generators, the constant whir of an operating excavator, the steady drone of ventilation systems, or the ongoing rumble of cement mixers. This persistent background noise exposure can be harmful to workers over a long period.

Impulsive Noise

Impulsive noise, on the other hand, is characterized by sudden, loud bursts of sound that are often of high intensity but short duration. These noises are typically more jarring and noticeable than continuous noise due to their abrupt and disruptive nature. Impulsive noise adds to the overall noise level at a construction site, and its spread can significantly impact people at varying distances.

In construction settings, impulsive noise can come from a variety of sources. The loud bang of a pile driver pounding into the ground, the explosive bursts from powder-actuated tools, or the pounding of jackhammers are all examples of impulsive noise.

Noise Levels of Common Construction Activities

Understanding the noise levels produced by different construction activities is vital to managing and mitigating their potential impact. Noise levels are usually measured in decibels (dB), which provide a logarithmic scale to quantify the power or intensity of sound.

Construction Equipment

• Jackhammers: Jackhammers, used typically for breaking concrete, can produce noise levels of around 120-130 dB.
• Pile Driving: Pile driving involves hammering large cylindrical poles into the ground, which can result in noise levels of approximately 110-120 dB.
• Bulldozers: These heavy-duty vehicles used for moving dirt and debris can produce noise levels around 100-110 dB.
• Cement Mixers: Cement mixers, which constantly churn to keep cement at the right consistency, generate continuous noise levels of around 85-90 dB.
• Generators: These essential pieces of equipment that provide power to the site typically produce continuous noise levels of about 80-90 dB.

It’s important to note that prolonged exposure to noise levels above 85 dB can cause permanent hearing damage. Knowing the noise levels of various construction activities helps in planning appropriate preventive and protective measures for workers and mitigating the impact on the surrounding environment.

Measuring Noise on the Construction Site

Noise on construction sites is typically measured using a decibel meter or noise dosimeter. A decibel meter, also known as a sound level meter, is an instrument that measures the intensity of sound in the air at a given moment. These meters provide immediate readings, allowing for immediate adjustments if the sound levels exceed safety guidelines.

A noise dosimeter is a small device that a worker can wear during their shift to measure their total noise exposure over time. This is particularly useful for workers who move around the site with varying different noise levels.

Before being used onsite to take measurements, safety managers calibrate these devices in a quiet room or office. A safety manager may take multiple readings at different times throughout the day, marking down the location and time of each reading. These measurements, when charted over time, give a clear picture of how much noise a construction site generates at varying distances and times.

OSHA’s 2-to-3 Foot Rule

The Occupational Safety and Health Administration (OSHA) also provides a guideline for situations when a sound level meter isn’t available. The 2-to-3-foot rule implies that the noise level is assumed to be at, or above, 85 decibels if a worker must raise their voice to be heard when standing two to three feet away from a coworker.

This level is significant as it represents the threshold at which sustained exposure can result in hearing damage. The 2-to-3-foot rule serves as a quick and easy method to assess noise levels and determine if additional measures need to be taken to protect workers’ hearing.

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The Impact of Construction Noise

The repercussions of construction noise are extensive and encompass both the workers and the surrounding environment. Construction firms should strive to understand how noise can affect these parties. OSHA covers the three largest areas that noise can impact workers, which are physical and mental health, and lower productivity. 

Physical Health

Continuous exposure to high noise levels can lead to noise-induced hearing loss, a common occupational disease in the construction industry. According to the U.S. National Institute for Occupational Health and Safety (NIOSH), about 25% of noise-exposed construction workers tested for it have a material hearing impairment (hearing loss that impacts day-to-day activities). This type of hearing loss can be temporary or permanent, and it often progresses so gradually that workers may not notice until substantial hearing loss has occurred. Additionally, NIOSH reports that 7% of all construction workers experience tinnitus. 

Mental Health

Besides the physical effects, constant noise can also have psychological impacts. High noise levels can lead to increased stress, irritability, and fatigue, potentially contributing to other mental health disorders such as anxiety and depression. 

Additionally, the consequences of hearing loss caused by noise exposure on the job can be serious for mental health.

“Hearing loss can greatly impact a worker’s overall health and well-being,” says NIOSH Director Dr. John Howard in the study Hearing Difficulty and Tinnitus among U.S. Workers and Non-workers in 2007. “Hazardous levels of occupational noise exposure and environmental noise exposure both need to be avoided.”

Lower Productivity

The detrimental effects of noise on physical and mental health can significantly reduce a worker’s productivity. Struggling to communicate over loud noise can lead to misunderstandings and mistakes, and the fatigue from constant noise exposure can slow down the pace of work.

Environmental Impact

Construction noise can disrupt the peace of residential neighborhoods, affecting the quality of life for residents. This disruption can lead to complaints and strained relationships between the construction project and the community.

Noise and vibration often go hand in hand in construction sites. Vibrations caused by heavy machinery and construction processes can cause damage to nearby structures, affect structural integrity, and can also disturb wildlife in and around the construction site.

The case of the “Leaning Tower of Fidi” underscores the importance of careful monitoring. Despite the project topping out in September 2018, controversies, delays, and construction issues have plagued it. The most notable of these problems is that the building leans 3 inches to the north, reportedly due to the method used for foundation construction. The general contractor, Pizzarotti, blamed the building’s developer, Fortis, for this issue, alleging that they used a soil improvement method instead of the more stable piling method used in neighboring skyscrapers. 

The legal dispute between the two companies, coupled with a series of building code violations and safety incidents, brought construction to a standstill.

By 2023, only half of the finishes, including windows, have been installed, and the site remains secured and inactive. The halted project, with its noticeable lean, is a stark reminder of the challenges and risks associated with high-rise construction in the bustling heart of New York City.

This highlights the necessity of robust noise and vibration monitoring and mitigation strategies on construction sites.

Construction noise and vibration must be monitored closely to avoid causing disturbances or structural damage. This involves setting data points on adjacent structures and checking regularly for any movement or change. Monitoring becomes crucial in urban settings where construction sites are surrounded by other buildings and structures, as highlighted by the construction practices in Manhattan.

Construction Rules & Regulations

The mitigation of construction noise is not just a matter of courtesy or good practice. Various federal and local laws also regulate it to ensure the health and well-being of workers and the community. 

OSHA sets standards for noise exposure, known as permissible exposure limits (PEL) in the workplace. OSHA’s permissible exposure limit for construction noise is an average of 90 decibels over an 8-hour day. Below is a table detailing the PELs depending on the sound level and length of time:

Failure to adhere to these standards can result in hefty penalties. OSHA can impose fines, and repeated or willful violations can lead to larger fines or even criminal charges. OSHA conducts regular inspections to ensure compliance with their standards. During these inspections, OSHA may measure noise levels and assess safety practices.

Local Ordinances

In addition to federal regulations, many municipalities have their own rules around environmental noise. These can include restrictions on the times of day when loud work occurs, as well as limits on acceptable noise levels. For example, in New York City, construction sites have to apply for after-hours authorization for any work performed outside of weekdays between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. The specifics of these ordinances can vary widely, so construction companies need to familiarize themselves with the regulations in each area where they operate.

Importance of Adherence and Additional Precautions

While compliance with these regulations is essential, they should be considered the minimum standard. Construction companies have a responsibility to their workers and the community to go beyond these minimum requirements whenever possible. This can include providing additional protective equipment, implementing more stringent noise monitoring practices, or adopting quieter construction methods. Such proactive measures can help to further reduce the impact of construction noise on workers and the surrounding community.

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How to Reduce & Mitigate the Effect of Construction Noise

Mitigation of construction noise is not just a legal obligation, but it also forms part of the corporate social responsibility of construction companies. Let’s look at some strategies to reduce and control noise at construction sites.

Engineering vs. Administrative Controls

In dealing with construction noise, both engineering and administrative controls play significant roles. Engineering controls focus on reducing the noise at the source or along the noise path, while administrative controls manage workers’ exposure to noise. An example of an engineering control would be replacing an outdated piece of equipment with a newer, quieter version. Meanwhile, administrative control would be running a noisy piece of equipment when a majority of site workers are on lunch break. 

Strategies to Mitigate Construction Noise

Monitor Jobsite Noise Levels

Regular monitoring of jobsite noise levels can help identify areas or activities that contribute to high noise levels and then implement targeted noise control strategies. By keeping a log of noise readings from different types of equipment and distances, construction managers can track patterns and identify areas for noise reduction. Monitoring can also help to ensure that mitigation measures are triggered and implemented as soon as noise levels exceed safe thresholds.

Make PPE Accessible

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) such as earplugs or earmuffs should be readily available to workers to limit their exposure to loud noises. However, PPE will only be effective if it is readily available and consistently used by workers. By making PPE accessible at every point of need on the jobsite, construction managers can encourage its regular use and cultivate a culture of safety. 

Encourage Visual Communication

High noise levels can hinder verbal communication on the jobsite, which could potentially lead to accidents. In particularly noisy environments, encourage the use of visual signals or signs to communicate, reducing the need for workers to shout.

For instance, workers can use eye contact to gain the attention of equipment operators, and hand signals to convey messages. Additionally, site signage such as “noise exposure zone,” “loud machinery in use,” or “hearing protection required” makes visitors aware of the need for proper PPE, and alerts them to take the proper precautions when heading into noisy areas.

Limit Exposure

Another effective strategy to prevent noise-induced hearing loss is to limit workers’ exposure to high noise levels. Try to rotate workers between high-noise and low-noise tasks throughout the day to limit their exposure to constant loud noise. This could involve scheduling regular downtime or quiet periods during the workday and providing quiet spaces for workers to rest and recuperate. 

Update & Maintain Equipment

Regular maintenance can keep equipment running smoothly and more quietly. Worn-out or faulty parts can create additional noise and may also pose safety risks. Additionally, investing in new, quieter equipment can significantly reduce overall noise levels.

Use Noise Barriers

Noise barriers or shields block noise from spreading to adjacent areas. By directing job site noise upwards, noise pollution can be substantially reduced in neighboring communities. These can be particularly useful in urban construction sites close to residential areas or schools.

Train & Educate Employees

Educating workers about the risks associated with prolonged noise exposure and training them on the proper use of PPE and other noise reduction strategies is maybe the most important strategy. This will equip them to protect themselves and their coworkers from the harmful effects of noise. Educational resources, such as OSHA’s noise pollution pocket guide, can be useful tools for raising awareness and promoting good practices.

By employing these strategies, construction companies can effectively mitigate the effects of construction noise, leading to safer, more productive workplaces and less disruption for the surrounding community.

Creating a Culture of Noise Safety

Creating a culture of noise safety goes beyond implementing strategies and controls; it’s about shifting mindsets and behaviours toward a sustained commitment to noise reduction and safety. Leadership plays a pivotal role in establishing and maintaining a culture of noise safety. Top management must understand and prioritize noise safety, setting the tone for the rest of the organization: Seeing leadership embody these behaviors can significantly impact the overall organization’s attitude toward noise safety. 

Leaders can demonstrate their commitment by investing in the necessary equipment and training to mitigate noise hazards. They can also foster open communication about noise hazards, encouraging employees to voice concerns and suggestions without fear of repercussions. By doing so, leaders can create an environment where noise safety is viewed as a shared responsibility.

The post Construction Noise: How to Protect Workers & Reduce Noise Pollution appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

Kira Municipality Member of Parliament Ibrahim Ssemuju Nganda was a few days ago quoted as suggesting that government departments shouldn’t be renting space from the businessman’s properties.

But experts and public commentators say the businessman, also one of the leading taxpayers in the country, who invests millions of dollars in erecting up-to-date office, business and residential premises breaks no law inviting tenancy deals from government agencies.
In fact, most of Mr Ruparelia’s clients are from the private sector.

“GoU isn’t in real estate [business]. Sudhir is. It’s his core business. They’ve done business for ages. What’s the issue?” one public commentator Allan Kassujja said.

Mr Ruparelia, through his Meera Investments Ltd and Crane Management Services Ltd, is one of the leading estate developers in the region with signature projects like Kingdom Kampala, Hardware City, Market Plaza, and Kampala Boulevard building, among others.

Sudhir’s business empire also spans hotels and the hospitality industry, floriculture, education and schools to media, insurance, forex, and banking.

The city business mogul is currently plotting the re-development of the former Chieftaincy of Military Intelligence (CMI) headquarters on Yusuf Lule Road in Kampala, with a multi-million dollar massive Business Park, that will host office premises, a shopping centre, health and leisure amenities among others.

According to the artistic impressions—The Pearl Business Park — is an 18-acre mixed-use facility that will host a 5-star hotel, a shopping mall and a modern hospital when complete.

Phase one of the project to be completed soon, will cater to office space while the building will have 16 lettable floors with 27,240 sqm of built-up area.

The post Sudhir’s Rental Arrangements With Government Departments Do Not Violate Any Rules – Experts appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).

House ownership can be a smart long-term move, but you want to know what you’re getting into. Purchasing property is a major milestone that tops many people’s lifetime to-do lists. But it certainly doesn’t have to be a scary or stressful experience. With time, care, and research, you can take control of the property-buying process.

With that said, I know that if you’re reading this, you’re probably going to buy a house anyway. So here we have put together a property buying guide to wrap up our best advice over the last few years in one place. Enjoy!

How to prepare to buy property/house:

1. Determine What You Can Truly Afford

The first step in the property/house buying process is to determine your budget, just as you’d likely do for any other major financial decision.

2. Decide Which Features Are Must-haves

It’s the rare lucky person who finds the perfect property/house within their budget, so before you go property hunting, brainstorm a list of what you absolutely must find in a property and which features are simply nice extras.

Examples of must-haves might include the number, size of the property, proximity to work and other places you frequent, and access to your preferred school districts. You might also have a strong preference on the amount of outdoor space, and whether it’s move-in ready.

3. Start property hunting using an experienced Real Estate Agent

Browsing online resources for available properties in your neighbourhood is a good place to start, and can help confirm whether your budget and house must-haves are reasonable in light of what’s for sale.

This is also a prime time to decide whether you’ll hire a real estate agent if you haven’t already. While you’re under no obligation to do so, there are several potential benefits to working with one. First of all, an agent can provide access to more home options than you’ll likely find yourself, as well as set up viewing appointments. Since home buying can be an emotional process, an agent can also act as a mediator between you and the seller.

4. Verify the title

The buyer should verify the authenticity of the property, and check whether the seller has a right over the property or if the property is not caveat. Take the first step to check the title deed of the property and approved plans of the structure which you are going to buy.

This can be done by obtaining a property search report from the land district offices. From the search report confirm whether the land is in the name of the seller and that he or she has the full right to sell the land. It is always better to get the original deed examined by a reputable lawyer and also to ensure the property is of the right size on the ground it is important to engage your own surveyor who will help you establish whether the land you want to buy is exactly located on the site the agency is showing you and valid.

5. Property Due Diligence

When it comes to buying property, you will want to really understand what your money is going into, you will want to know the area, and you will want to know what the potential is for capital growth. The important thing, however, is to be rigorous, and exhaustive. A property is always a big investment. There is a lot of money that goes into a property deal. So obviously, you don’t want to make mistakes that could have been avoided if you had done your research.

6. Price versus value

Understanding the Local Area: Making sure that there is a ready local market. You need to know that the property is commercially viable.

Calculating Rental Demand

7. Put in an Offer

So you’ve fallen in love with a property that meets all of your needs and some of your wants—and it’s within your price range. Let’s make an offer!

This is where it can get tricky: You don’t want to lowball your offer or insult the seller but you also don’t want to pay more than is necessary. So how do you land on the ideal number?

While there are no hard and fast rules, a few factors can help inform your decision.

First, look at other property sales in the area. Is the house you want pricing reasonable in comparison? Did other homes sell for less or more than the asking price? If they sold for an amount that’s comparable to your seller’s list price, that’s a good indication you should be offering a number close to asking.

Next, consider how long the property has been on the market, and how incentive the property owner is to sell. For example, if the seller is living in a transition home while waiting to sell, you may have a better chance of getting the seller to accept a discounted offer. But if he’s casually putting the home on the market to see how much he can net, the seller may be more apt to wait for the perfect price.

Lastly, what’s the market like in the neighbourhood? Is it like in Eastern Kampala, where condos get snatched up with all-cash offers, or are you in a Luzira location, where empty homes are a common site? In the former situation, it may be a good idea to start with a strong offer to beat out an army of other suitors, whereas you may have more leeway in a market like Luzira

8. Review the purchase agreement

Once the seller accepted your offer before you sign on the dotted line, you should make sure to review the contract thoroughly and understand every single clause.

Review all closing costs—the ones you’ve hopefully saved up 3% to pay for, which might include an attorney’s fee, title search and partial property taxes—before you sign the contract.

9. Sign the Papers

Before the big day, you’re entitled to a walk-through to confirm that nothing has changed since the inspection. After that, make sure you have all the money required for the closing wired into the correct account.

Spectrum Properties 

The post 9 Important Things To Consider When Buying a Finished House In Uganda appeared first on The Standard News (Uganda).