Building collapse: Guild urges govt to leverage technology solutions

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has urged Lagos State Government to use technology to monitor building performance and identify potential risks.

Mr Gbolahan Oyelakin, BCPG Ikeja Cell Coordinator, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos.

According to him, the use of technology will help to avert building collapse.

“There is a need for the government to deploy technology in observing the performance of buildings so that we don’t wait until incidents happen before everybody starts making moves.

“You can be anywhere in the world to monitor the performance of a building if you use technology; you can monitor the shelf life.

“There is something that is called the life cycle assessment of a building. If you are supposed to use a material that will last for 10 years, if you compromise and use a material that will last for two years, there is technology that will tell you when that building will last.

“These are things that we educate people to deploy, because it is an action for prevention. You don’t wait until when a building is showing signs of collapse which, many times, people neglect,’’ he said.

Oyelakin, however, commended the efforts of Lagos State Building Control Agency in addressing building safety concerns.

He cited the recent initiative of the agency to demolish 15 buildings at Iponri which were deemed unsafe.

He also mentioned meetings the agency held with occupants of the buildings to discuss the situation and necessary actions.

He stressed the need for monitoring and other proactive measures to prevent collapse of buildings.

Oyelakin emphasised the importance of data management in preventing building collapse.

He said that effective management of data, using technology, was a crucial tool in preventing building collapse.

He said that data could be used to analyse human behaviour, particularly in relation to cost management.

According to him, this means understanding how people make decisions about building projects, especially during economic downturns.

Oyelakin also emphasised the importance of insurance policies in the construction industry and the need for strict compliance with the policies.

He said, “Government needs to also ensure that the issue of insurance policy is taken more seriously.

“Currently, many people only have insurance policies on paper without actually complying with the terms and conditions.

“Strict adherence to insurance policy requirements is crucial. This involves taking necessary actions to ensure compliance and avoid compromises.’’

He said that effective monitoring and control mechanisms were needed to enforce compliance with insurance policies.

NAN reports that BCPG is dedicated to preventing building collapse through advocacy and action.

Its aim is to create a safer built environment by raising awareness about building safety, promoting best practices and standards, and encouraging the use of technology.

It also aims to collaborate with governments and industry stakeholders and advocate proactive measures to prevent building collapse.