Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has emphasised the importance of professionalism and adherence to building regulations in addressing building collapse in the state.
Sanwo-Olu said this at the second edition of the Lagos State Building Control Agency,LASBCA, stakeholders engagement in Lagos, on Thursday.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the LASBCA stakeholders engagement, which focused on the critical issue of building collapse in Lagos State, had the theme, “Professionalism Across Board in the Built Environment”.
He said, “Professionalism in the built environment in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, which I represent, is a critical undertaking that demands our attention and commitment.
“Our urban areas are experiencing rapid population growth which places tremendous pressure on our existing infrastructural facilities.
“One major challenge we face as a government, is citizens strict adherence to building codes which often translates to complete disregard to building regulations by home owners and developers.
“While we realise that shelter is of utmost importance, we constantly advocate that as responsible citizens, there is a need to build right in order to have buildings that are safe, healthy and preserved for future generation.
‘It is very crucial at this point in our history to enforce building regulations to the latter so as to prevent illegal, haphazard and poorly constructed buildings that is detrimental to the wellbeing of Lagosians”.
Sanwo-Olu said the state government would continue to advocate that only professionals should be engaged in building constructions in the state.
“The question you might want to ask is, who are the professionals that should be engaged in the building construction industry?
“The answer is not far-fetched, they are: builders, architects, structural/civil engineers, geologists, mechanical and electrical engineers.
“I daresay that engaging only these professionals will solve 70% of the challenges of building collapse across the state.
“Therefore, it is now mandatory that all relevant professionals in the built environment are fully engaged in any building construction in the state”, he said.
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The General Manager, LASBCA, Mr Gbolahan Oki, emphasised the importance of collaboration to improve the built environment in Lagos State.
