Construction History and Condition Assessment of the Fort Ikoma Historical Building in Serengeti National Park, Tanzania

Abstract

The Fort Ikoma Historical Building, initially constructed by the Germans in 1905 and repurposed several times, holds significant cultural and military importance. Over the years, the fort has served as a hotel, an army training center, and an administrative center and has undergone various structural and architectural changes. This study's main objective was identifying each defect's rating according to its condition and maintenance priority. This study assessed the fort's architectural and structural conditions through historical surveys, visual inspections, and material analyses. The findings revealed significant deterioration due to weather exposure, lack of maintenance, and inappropriate interventions, leading to extensive decay in walls, roofs, and other structural elements. Nevertheless, a comprehensive Building Condition Assessment Rating System (BCARS) has revealed that the fort severely deteriorated with significant structural, architectural, and service-related defects. The building is rated five at a critical condition level, requiring urgent and extensive restoration work to preserve its historical value. This study recommends promptly initiating a comprehensive rehabilitation plan using historically appropriate materials and techniques alongside modern reinforcement methods to preserve the fort's historical and cultural significance.