The Lagos State Government stated that the recently collapsed 21-storey building at Gerrard’s Court in Ikoyi is an opportunity for building professionals to know what the local content policy says, and also for older engineers in the profession to take control of the situation from builders and developers.
This was disclosed by the Special Adviser to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Works and Infrastructure, Mrs Aramide Adeyoye, on Saturday at the Hamed Lawal Distinguished Public Lecture organised by the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), in Ogba, Lagos State, themed “National Local Content Policies in the Construction Industry – Strategies for Optimal Deployment for Engineering Professionals.”
Adeyoye added that engineers should also take up roles to become licenced construction inspectors.
What she said
“The building collapse (Ikoyi) portends a very good opportunity for us to go back again to the basics. Where did we go wrong?” she asked.
She stated that the elders in the profession, as well as the builders, must work towards lasting solutions as it is time for building professionals to know what the local content policy says.
“It starts with, do we even have a building code? If we do not have a building code, what are the timelines that we give ourselves to get these passed?
“Who are the professionals for different levels of development? Who and who can practise?
“We must never give our food to dogs. If we have done that, it is never too late to take it from them and then decide that we will do things professionally,” Adeyoye added.
In case you missed it
Nairametrics reported last week that Lagos State Government announced that the number of recovered bodies from the collapsed 21-storey building in Ikoyi has risen to 45. It also stated that no directive had been given for the demolition of the two other high-rise buildings at the scene.
The wake up call is appreciated. However, the state government can start by sending engineers at the ministry of works for training in building certification. And when they start practicing, they should be monitored strictly to avoid corrupt practices which could undermine their roles, taking us back to square one.