How we’re addressing building collapse — LASBCA

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) says it identified and published details of over 435 defective buildings with structural issues in 2023.

The Director, Public Affairs, LASBCA, Mr Olusegun Olaoye, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said that publishing the list of defective buildings in national dailies was to enlighten the building public and encourage occupants to vacate.

Olaoye was reacting to the trend of building collapse and steps taken by the government to improve urban planning and development control in the state.

The director said that the agency had intensified its oversight role in addressing building collapse.

He said that the issue was being combated by cracking down on illegal construction and unqualified workers.

” First, we look at the causes of building collapse which we have identified to include but not limited to use of non-professionals and quacks in the building and construction industries.

“Use of sub-standard materials, non-adherence to building codes, old age of structures, among others.

“To effectively curb the menace of building collapse, the state government through the state building control agency has strengthened its monitoring department to effectively monitor building construction in the state to ensure that standard materials are used by the building public.

“We ensure full adherence to the National and state building codes as well as try as much as possible to stop illegal conversion of existing structures.”

Additionally, Olaoye stated that the agency had prioritised the swift identification and removal of buildings at risk of collapse, ensuring timely action.

He said that the agency was utilising non-destructive testing to assess the structural integrity of buildings, to identify potential issues before they escalate.

Olaoye emphasised the agency’s commitment to upholding essential construction standards that would reflect a strong political will to prioritise safety.

He said that the agency had also intensified its oversight role to guarantee that buildings were constructed strictly according to approved plans to meet all safety regulations.

“We are also strengthening our whistle blowing mechanism to report buildings with structural defects and buildings constructed without requisite permits,” the director said.