Azerbaijan, Baku / Trend corr. E.Huseinli / Kamaladdin Heydarov, the Minister of Emergency Situations of Azerbaijan, stated on 8 June that some 200 Azerbaijani buildings did not pass inspection.
After the recently-established Ministry inspected newly-constructed buildings, it ruled that those which did not pass inspections in the first round will have to undergo inspection once more.
Heydarov noted that new equipment would be delivered to Azerbaijan with the aim to strengthen control in building inspections in the near future. The modern equipment will help define the durability of building's frames, including the concrete and radiation components of materials being used.
"After the Ministry's foundation, the quality of buildings which have passed inspection is higher than it was in the past. And given the expert's report, we will require constructing children's playgrounds and secondary schools in the vicinity of new buildings," Heydarov added.
"There is a great likelihood of technological progress in Baku, due to the fact that it is the city of oil and gas. Therefore all emergency shelters and refuges are being reconstructed. In compliance with the agreement, signed with the Ministry, in case of a state of emergency, basements will be used as shelters," the Minister added.
Kamaladdin Heydarov was appointed the Emergency Minister on 6 February 2006.