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Obtaining Construction Permits a Daunting Task in Central African Republic

In the Central African Republic, navigating the complex process of obtaining construction permits can be a time- consuming and costly endeavor. A recent report highlights the numerous agencies involved in the approval process, which can take up to 90 days to complete.

The Approval Process

According to sources, BuildCo, a local construction firm, recently applied for a building permit for a new project. The application was reviewed by several agencies, including:

  • Urban Planning Authority
  • Cadastral Office
  • Municipal Public Roads Office
  • Land Registry

In an effort to streamline the process, a commission comprised of representatives from each agency meets to review the file simultaneously. However, this has not eliminated delays, with some permits taking up to 30 days to be issued.

Additional Requirements

Once approved, BuildCo is required to:

  • Obtain provisional authorization from the Urban Planning Authority while awaiting the Ministry of Housing decree granting the building permit.
  • Conduct several inspections throughout the construction process, including:
    • Earthwork
    • Foundation work
    • Concrete work
  • Request a water connection from Société de Distribution d’Eaux en Centrafrique (SODECA), which involves an on-site visit to measure the property and establish technical specifications. The cost estimate is provided 2 days later, with payment due before the connection can be made.
  • Build a septic tank due to the lack of a sewerage network, adding to the overall cost and timeline of the project.

Challenges and Recommendations

Experts say that the complexity of the process and lack of transparency in building regulations are major contributors to the lengthy approval period. “The requirements for obtaining a building permit are not clearly specified in the building regulations or on any accessible website,” says one expert. “It’s only available upon request.”

The report highlights several areas where improvements can be made, including:

  • Increasing accessibility to building laws and regulations
  • Specifying requirements for obtaining a building permit
  • Implementing more stringent quality control measures during construction
  • Streamlining the approval process by reducing the number of agencies involved

Key Findings:

  • Obtaining a building permit in the Central African Republic takes up to 90 days.
  • The process involves multiple agencies, including the Urban Planning Authority, Cadastral Office, Municipal Public Roads Office, and Land Registry.
  • Inspections are required throughout the construction process, including earthwork, foundation work, and concrete work.
  • BuildCo must also request a water connection from SODECA and build a septic tank due to the lack of a sewerage network.
  • The complexity of the process and lack of transparency in building regulations contribute to delays.

Recommendations:

  • Increase accessibility to building laws and regulations
  • Specify requirements for obtaining a building permit
  • Implement more stringent quality control measures during construction
  • Streamline the approval process by reducing the number of agencies involved