Register For Health Insurance Scheme, Sanwo-Olu Appeals To Lagos Residents

Unsafe Structures No More: Lagos State Governor Demolishes Illegal Buildings

The recent collapse of a seven-storey building in Banana Island highlighted the dangers of flouting building codes and regulations. Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has responded to the tragedy by ordering the demolition of three two-storey buildings in the area that were constructed without approval or under powerlines and water.

In a statement made during his visit to the site of the collapsed building, the governor blamed the developers and some citizens for prioritizing quick profits over safety. However, he also faulted the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and National Inland Waterways Authority for granting extensions that contributed to the tragedy. The governor’s response indicates that he is taking the right steps towards ensuring building safety in Lagos State.

The regulatory framework around building approvals requires significant improvement to prevent future disasters. Building codes and regulations exist to ensure that structures are constructed safely and do not pose risks to residents or passers-by. Unfortunately, many developers tend to ignore these regulations or cut corners to maximize profits. This has led to several building collapses in the past, resulting in loss of life and property damage.

Sanwo-Olu’s order to demolish illegal structures within and around Banana Island is a step in the right direction. It sends a message to developers and other stakeholders that flouting building codes will not be tolerated. The government needs to take more drastic measures to prevent unsafe construction practices. The consequences for non-compliance should be severe enough to deter developers from cutting corners.

The role of government agencies in ensuring building safety cannot be overstated. The governor’s blame on the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and National Inland Waterways Authority highlights the need for greater accountability and transparency in the regulatory process. These agencies should be held accountable for approving structures that violate building codes.

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) is responsible for monitoring and enforcing building regulations. However, the governor admitted that the agency was failing in its mandate. This raises questions about the effectiveness of LASBCA and the training provided to building inspectors.

Effective monitoring and enforcement are crucial to ensuring building safety. Building inspectors should be properly trained, equipped, and motivated to carry out their duties. They should be held accountable for any negligence that occurs under their watch. The government should invest in the recruitment and training of more building inspectors to enhance monitoring and enforcement efforts.

The impact of building collapses on residents cannot be overlooked. Beyond the immediate loss of life and property, building collapses have wider implications for affected communities. Residents suffer psychological trauma and emotional distress in the aftermath of such incidents. The government should provide support to affected residents through counseling and other forms of assistance to help them cope with the trauma.

In response to the recent collapse, Governor Sanwo-Olu has set up an external committee to investigate what went wrong. The findings of the committee will serve as a basis for developing a workplan that can be enforced going forward. This approach demonstrates the governor’s commitment to addressing the root causes of the problem and taking proactive measures to prevent future disasters.

The collapse of the seven-storey building in Banana Island highlights the need for stronger regulation and enforcement of building codes. Governor Sanwo-Olu’s response shows that he is taking the right steps towards ensuring building safety in Lagos State.

However, more needs to be done to hold developers and regulatory agencies accountable for violations of building codes. The government must also invest in effective monitoring and enforcement to prevent future tragedies. Ultimately, the safety of citizens must remain paramount, and all stakeholders must play their part in achieving this goal.

Praise Ben

A designer and write for HseNations

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