LASEMA Urges Residents To Engage Experts For Regular Inspection Of Buildings

As a measure to curb recurring cases of building collapse, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has urged residents to consult structural professionals to regularly conduct inspections on their buildings to check for cracks and other signs of structural defects which lead to failure.

In a post made on social media, LASEMA blamed the recurring incidents of building collapse in Nigeria especially Lagos, on the use of sub-standard materials, engaging unprofessional and non-adherence to professional specifications for construction by developers.

The statement reads, “The reoccurring menace (building collapse) has claimed many innocent lives, valuable properties and huge investments. Although structural failures of a building may arise from natural catastrophe, the pivotal cause of incessant building collapse in Lagos is the non–compliance with the building Industry construction standard and regulation for designated buildings.

“The use of sub–substandard materials such as inadequate quantity of cement, concrete blocks, sand, poor workmanship and overloading or increasing number floors of building contrary to foundational scope are the indices of structural damage. These lacunae can be curtailed through the instrumentality of safety compliance.

“Residents should inspect their buildings regularly for Cracks and other structural defects and consult professionals for necessary solutions and prevention.

“Building owners should not work within limited funds at the expense of safety, quality and structural stability.

“All Stakeholders in the construction industry should adhere strictly to the provisions of the Lagos State Building Code,” LASEMA stated.

The Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (NIStructE) had made a similar recommendation a few weeks ago, calling on residents to engage qualified and registered structural engineers who have special knowledge and experience in building construction to carry out structural integrity appraisals in order to determine the status of buildings.