Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has admonished members of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) to work with other professionals in the sector to find solution to the menace of building collapse.
The Governor gave the charge while speaking at the opening ceremony of the 51st builders’ annual conference in lagos, sanwo-olu said the event had become a platform for builders to brainstorm on issues that are essential to the growth of the nation.
He observed that the theme of this year’s gathering, “advancing technologies, systems and standards for sustaining building construction” is germane to the state in attaining and sustaining its technology driven smart city that would enhance the programmes and plans of the government in improving the lives and welfare of its citizens.
“The builders’ role takes prominence at the construction stage and thus entrusted to take charge of the activities on a building construction site in translating designs, specification and lot more into a physical structure. structures can be built in the most efficient and cost effective manner when a builder is brought early into the planning process.
“The quality of structures will impact the lives of people, economically, socially and mentally. it is pertinent to say that opportunities for exposure be provided for builders to acquire more knowledge to develop global best practices.”
In his keynote address at the forum, an activist, Mr. Femi Falana (san), decried incessant incidents of building collapse, calling for penalties.
According to him, owners of buildings and quacks or builders who were involved or negligent in building collapse are liable to be prosecuted.
The President, Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), mr. Kunle Awobodu, lamented the activities of quacks, saying the outcome of many investigations of collapsed buildings had shown that quackery was mainly responsible for the problem.