Lagos State Commissioner For Urban Development Identifies Causes of  Building Collapse, Calls For Stiffer Punishment For Offenders

The Lagos State Commissioner For Physical Planning/ Urban Development, Dr. Oluyinka Abiodun Olumide has identified the use of sub- standard materials as the major cause of building collapse in the country.

He stated this on Thursday at the gala night  of the 34th Annual Conference and AGM of Nigerian Institute of Building , Lagos State Chapter held at ‘The Podium International Event Centre’ , Aromire Avenue, Ikeja, Lagos.

The Honourable Commissioner who was the Special Guest of Honour disclosed that most contractors in order to cut corners use materials that are  not up to specification which eventually leads to the building collapsing.

” Investigation has revealed that most buildings collapse not due to the fault of the owners but those in charge of the construction because some of them use sub- standard materials in construction.

” There are instances where a builder is supposed to use a 12mm iron rods but because he wants to maximize  profit, he will use 6mm which can not withstand the structure and the building will eventually collapse with it’s severe consequences such as death, injuries or permanent disability “, he stated.

Dr. Olumide, who is a builder states that the Ministry under his watch is enforcing strict compliance on the use of quality materials, noting  that there’s need for proper collaboration by the concerned professionals  in the built industry to reduce incessant building collapse 

He canvassed for stiffer penalties to be metted out to culprits to serve as a deterent to others.

” I want to assure you that my Ministry is doing a lot towards reducing the incidence of building collapse in Lagos which is not peculiar to the state alone.

” But just as the theme of this year’s builders conference stated, there must be more collaboration, corporation and inclusiveness among  all the stakeholders in the building industry; be they certified  builders, architects, quantity surveyors or draughtsmen as that will go a long way in arresting the ugly situation.

” I equally believe that it’s important that those who engage in this unwholsome practices that has caused death , sorrow and pains to many families should be severly punished to discourage others from following the same trend”, he stressed.

He advised members of the built industry to sustain the unity that they’re  known for and avoid anything that will tarnish the image of the profession.

immediate past  Chairman, NIOB Lagos state chapter Thomas Adeoye, advocates for every building project in the state to have a certified builder, while expressing happiness he is leaving office better than he met it just as he advised the members to avoid practices that will make them look as quacks in the industry 

” As I leave office today, I hold my head high because of the numerous achievements we recorded in the last two years. Though I’m handing over to a new chairman who will pilot the affairs for the next two years,  but I will always be around to offer advices to him and I also implore the members to extend the type of support they gave to me and  my team to the new executive.

“I also want to admonish our members to avoid things that will make them.look as quacks  in  the industry because if you’re a builder and you go ahead to be doing the job of an architect or quantity surveyor, automatically, you’re a quack”, he cautioned 

In his remarks, Newly elected chairman, Builder,  Owolabi Ayoola Rasheed while acknowledging that he’s stepping into a very big shoe, promised to continue with the legacy of his predecessor to not only sustain his achievements but also mprove on it.

He called for the support from members  to make their job easier to take the association to an enviable position 

Highlights of the gala night was the presentation of certificate of return to incoming executives, award of excellence to deserving members including the Commissioner for Physical and Urban planning who received the ‘Star Service Award.

There was also music ,dance and entertainment of guests to round off the two day conference.