Elevator accident: NIA urges revamp of safety, maintenance culture in public buildings

Seeks synergy to operationalise assets maintenance dept HEDA urges swift healthcare reforms, probe into Diaso death

Professionals, under the aegis of Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), have expressed concerns over the poor state of the country’s public buildings, especially, as they relate to quality maintenance of infrastructure.

The institute, therefore, urged implementation of policies that improve maintenance culture in public facilities and a close relationship between the client/owner, the architects, engineers and the contractors towards owning and managing all the risks buildings pose from inception, project delivery and occupancy stages and the entire lifespan of the buildings.

It would be recalled that a medical doctor, Diasco Vwaere, was last week reported dead in an elevator accident at the General Hospital, Odan, in Lagos lsland.

Reacting to the development, President of NIA, Enyi Ben-Eboh, said it is a wake-up call for the government to complete all the reviews of National Building Code and ensure it is signed into law for full implementation.

The NIA boss said inability to accept responsibility has led not only to building collapses at construction stages, but cases of fire outbreaks, post construction building collapses, vertical transport system failures, HVAC and air handling system failure, among others.

According to the NIA boss, it is inevitable that professionals will not only design and erect taller buildings, but must also deploy more advanced technologies to operate them.

MEANWHILE, in the wake of the devastating loss of Diaso, the Human and Environmental Development Agenda (HEDA) Resource Centre has canvassed robust reforms to strengthen infrastructure, accountability and transparency within the healthcare system.

Chairman of HEDA, Olanrewaju Suraju, who expressed deep concern over the apparent negligence demonstrated by the management of Lagos Island General Hospital, Odan, urged the Lagos State government not only to carry out a thorough investigation into the incident, but also conduct a comprehensive assessment of healthcare infrastructure across the state.

Suraju said the unfortunate passing of Diaso served as a poignant reminder of the dire consequences that could arise when vital maintenance and repairs are compromised, disregarded or ignored within healthcare facilities.

The body, therefore, appealed to all stakeholders, including governmental bodies, regulatory agencies, healthcare institutions, and the broader public, to unite in their endeavours to foster a healthcare sector that places the safety and well-being of all participants at the forefront.