PROFESSIONALS in the built environment have proffered measures to stem incessant building collapse in Nigeria, especially Lagos State where the menace is common.
Speaking at a one-day seminar in Lagos, the professionals under the auspices of Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), Lagos State chapter, canvased an end to incessant structural failures in the metropolis.
BCPG’s National President, Mr Yusuf Sulaimon, described incessant building collapse in Nigeria as “an embarrassment and a worrisome development” to professionals.
Blaming quackery for the frequency of the menace, Sulaimon boasted that professionals in the built environment are qualified, experienced and have the capacity to deliver standard structures.
According to him, there is need for Nigerians to engage professionals to stem the tide of incessant building collapse in Nigeria.
This, he said, could be achieved if building owners or contractors engage the services of professionals to handle their projects at every stage of the construction to post-maintenance of the building.
“We will continue to advise our people to always take the right step when embarking on their building project to prevent collapse.
“Nigerians must consult the surveyors when buying a land, to advise them on which land to buy and the structure that will fit in.
“They must engage the architects, structural engineers, builders and other professionals that will help them fulfil their aspirations and sustain it in post- construction,” Sulaimon said.
Explaining further, publicity secretary of BCPG, Bola Arilesere, said the collapse of any building usually stems from a failure in its design, caused by an error in either the architectural, civil or structural design.
Arilesere called for the use of built professionals, proper monitoring of sites by various supervisory government’s agencies and the use of quality and efficient building materials to prevent collapse.
Another professional, Mr Mubarak Gbajabiamila, explained that when professional builders are engaged, they will bring on board qualified artisans and tradesmen that will follow due process and guidelines.
He urged Nigerians to ensure that their buildings are constructed under necessary indices and procedures, adding that they should seek supervision and approvals from government’s regulatory agencies.
Another professional, Mrs Faith Ezeugoh, advised Nigerians to always engage the service of quantity surveyors in determining the cost of land, design, construction, documentation and maintenance of building.
Chairman, BCPG, Lagos chapter, Mr Jospeh Akande, said the war against building collapse could only be won when there is a collaboration between all the stakeholders in the built environment.
Akande urged the Lagos State Government to empower BCPG, by backing up its activities with enabling laws.
According to him, this would help the guild to monitor and report anomalies observed in ongoing construction site to prevent building collapse across the state.
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