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The quality of buildings has been an issue discussed by some since the devastating earthquake in China, where hundreds of schools in particular that were full of students at the time of the earthquake, fell like packs of cards killing all inside.

It will be an issue of great discussion as the country rebuilds.

I am of the opinion that China is not the only country where rules are broken by builders - I know that other more sophisticated countries have an issue with this, as builders and investors try to get buildings completed as quickly as possible within strict budgets and I know that there are buildings that are substandard.

Countries where earthquakes are known to occur should of course better manage their building and building inspections and maintenance of good building practices, but I recall when I was in Ireland several years ago, a builder telling me that while there were strict codes of practice, there was not the skilled people to ensure the codes were being adhered to, and I have no doubt that this would be the case in some parts of China, and indeed in other countries.

I suspect that even in Australia some buildings are in the "category" I have described.

In China many towns are built into or near hillsides, and in the short time I have been here I've looked with amazement at the way two to six storied buildings are packed beside rocky outcrops. I've seen where hills or mountains have been cut away to get at the much needed rock for buildings leaving others (often Temples) precariously atop these mountains.

I have no doubt that this is a big "wake up call" for builders everywhere, not just in China.

Adventures of an Australian English Teacher

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