The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has called on professionals in the building industry not to cut corners, saying cutting corners has been found to be responsible for many cases of building collapse in the state.
This urgency was as the governor urged residents to collaborate with the government to tackle the menace by volunteering information when they see shady practices in their neighbourhood.
Sanwo-Olu made the call on Tuesday while unveiling the new office building for the Lagos State Building Control Agency in the GRA area of Ikeja.
He stressed that the government could not address the menace of building collapse without the support of the 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.
“LASBCA district and zonal offices are all over the state where you can easily report any distressed building. I assure you that the confidentiality of your report is guaranteed and safe.
“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,” Sanwo-Olu said.
The governor said the repositioning of LASBCA and unveiling of the building would play a crucial role in regulating construction activities, ensuring compliance with building standards, and promoting safety in the rapidly growing urban landscape in line with his administration’s T.H.E.M.E.S.+ Agenda.
The compromise in adhering to safety standards within the construction industry has tragically resulted in the loss of numerous lives across the country. Instances of buildings collapsing due to substandard construction practices have been recurrent, leading to devastating consequences for families and communities.
The failure to uphold safety standards and regulations often stems from shortcuts taken during the construction process. These shortcuts, such as the use of subpar materials, bypassing necessary inspections, or ignoring structural integrity protocols, significantly compromise the safety of buildings. Consequently, when these compromised structures fail, lives are endangered, and often, fatalities occur.
Governor Sanwo-Olu’s emphasis on not cutting corners in the discharge of duties within the construction industry highlights the critical need to prioritize safety standards. Rigorous adherence to safety protocols, quality materials, and regular inspections are fundamental in ensuring the structural integrity of buildings. By upholding these standards, the risk of building collapses can be significantly reduced, safeguarding lives and preserving communities.
The repositioning of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the unveiling of the new office underscore the government’s commitment to regulating construction activities and enforcing compliance with safety standards. This initiative aligns with the administration’s agenda to create a built environment that not only meets aesthetic standards but also prioritizes safety and sustainability.
