Building Collapse: Stop cutting corners, Sanwo-Olu cautions local contractors
By Moses Adeniyi
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu has cautioned contractors in the construction industry in the State against cutting corners.
Such practice, he said, has been responsible for the recurring collapse of buildings in the State, the Country at large and around the world.
Sanwo-Olu issued the caveat on Tuesday at the commissioning of an edifice for the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LSBCA) at GRA, Ikeja, the capital of Lagos.
Noting that the edifice was conceptualized, design and supervised by members of staff of LASBCA, he said “this goes a long way to show that with the right environment and condition, our local architect, engineers and builders can compete favorably with their foreign counterparts to deliver world class structures that can stand the test of time. I say well done.”
However, issuing a caution to local professionals, he said: “I want to use this opportunity to call on all Lagosians especially Professionals that are engaged in the construction industry not to cut corners in the discharge of their duties. Because trying to cut corners has been majorly identified as the cause of building collapse in our society today .It is not just in Nigeria that we have seen or heard of building collapsing but all over the world.”
He, however, noted that “But with the right policy and execution in places, this menace will be reduced to the barest minimum.”
“On our own part as a government, we will provide an enabling environment and make policies to promote healthy buildings. The Lagos State Government has been able to achieve this with the introduction of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and other Agencies like Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) and Lagos Safety Commission (LCSC) amongst others who play vital roles in the built environment.
“However, you must agree with me that the government alone cannot do it without the support of the teeming populace. The task of reducing the menace of building collapse in our society is for everyone and it requires an attitudinal change across the board. When you see something going wrong in society, say it out loud,” he said.
He implored Lagosians to report to LASBCA district and zonal offices across the state any case of distressed building.
“I assure you that the confidentiality of your report is guaranteed and safe,” he said.
On the new project, the Governor said the commissioning of the office building “is a testimony of the premium my government places on the welfare of its staff.”
He said his government is committed to the provision of “a conducive and befitting work place for our officers to effectively and efficiently carry out their assigned responsibilities.”
He mentioned that the edifice would enable LASBCA, which plays a crucial role in regulating construction activities, ensuring compliance with building standards, and promoting safety in the rapidly growing urban landscape to be further repositioned to effectively discharge its responsibilities in line with the THEMES + agenda for a greater Lagos.
“The newly commissioned office will serve as the nerve center for these vital functions, equipped with modern technology and skilled workforces to enhance efficiency and effectiveness.
“In a rapidly evolving city like ours, it is imperative that we have robust mechanisms in place to address the challenges of urbanization. This LASBCA office will be at the forefront of this effort at collaborating with stakeholders, developers, and citizens to create a built environment that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also safe and sustainable.
“You can see that the aesthetic beauty of this environment has been enhanced,” he said.
He urged the staffers of the Agency to rededicate themselves to duty and make judicious use of the equipment and material provided “inside this beautiful building.”
“As we commission this office, let us look to the future with optimism and determination. Together, we can build a Lagos that is not only a symbol of progress but also a model for other cities to emulate,” he said.
In his remark, the General Manager, LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki appreciated the Governor for his support towards actualisation of the edifice, assuring dedication of his team to the duties entrusted on the agency to ensuring standard in the built industry in Lagos.
LASBCA is the foremost Lagos agency in the built industry saddled with the responsibilities of ensuring that basic minimum standards and quality control in building construction are observed to achieve a structural safe, secure and sustainable buildings in the state.
