Lagos State Governor Babatunde Sanwo-Olu has lamented the disregard for building code, saying if professionals comply with codes, there will be less building collapse.
Sanwo-Olu spoke at the second Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) conference: ‘Professionalism across Board in the Built Environment’.
He said: “One major challenge is citizens’ unadherence to building codes which translates to disregard for building regulations by home owners and developers. While we realise shelter is important, there is a need to build right to have buildings that are safe, healthy and preserved for future.
“It is crucial to enforce building regulations to prevent illegal, haphazard and poorly constructed buildings detrimental to the well being. That is why we advocat that only professionals be engaged in building.
“The question you might want to ask is, who are professionals that should be engaged in the construction industry? They are: builders, architects, structural /civil engineers, geologists mechanical and electrical engineers.
“I daresay engaging only these professionals will solve 70 per cent building collapse. Therefore, it is mandatory professionals in the built environment are engaged in building construction in the state.”
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The governor noted professional bodies play a huge role in the process, from designs to supervision, construction and management.
“I urge professional bodies to register deserving candidates as this would promote professionalism and end quackery in the built sector. I urge their leadership to devise a method to track those who are not members, as well as put in place measures to punish members who do not practise in line with professional conduct,” he added.
General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, said the engagement is a testament to collective dedication to provide a platform for dialogue, knowledge sharing and collaboration among stakeholders in building and construction.
