Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday reiterated the commitment of his administration to stem the tide of collapsed buildings in the state, saying that it would not compromise on the safety of lives and property of Lagosians.
The Governor who spoke when he received the President of Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers (NISE), Engr. Oreoluwa Fadayomi and his team at the Lagos House, Ikeja, said the wanton loss of lives as a result of collapsed buildings was unacceptable, hence government will do everything within its powers to curb the menace.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), with President, Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers, Engr. Oreoluwa Fadayomi during a courtesy visit to the Governor at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, April 07, 2016.
He said, “We are not keen on going after developers, but we will not permit them to take the lives of citizens for granted just because they want to make profit. “We have been put here to protect lives and property and also uphold the rule of law. We want to be able to say that any building coming up in Lagos is built professionally and with relevant permits.”
Governor Ambode while appreciating the team of structural engineers for accepting to serve in the recently inaugurated committee set up to investigate the recent building that collapsed in Lekki Gardens and also curb future occurrences in the state, tasked the Institute to ensure that their members exhibit high level of professionalism in the course of their duties.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), in a warm handshake with the Deputy President, Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers, Engr. Eddy Atumonyogo (2nd left) while Past Presidents of the Institute; Engr. Samuel Ilugbekhai (4th left); Engr. Bosun Oke (2nd right) and others watch, during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Institute, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, April 07, 2016.
While speaking on the importance of engaging structural engineers to eradicate the menace of collapsed buildings, Governor Ambode also called on the visiting structural engineers, who are top professionals in the building industry, to always put the right professionals in the right position and place when it comes to testing the structural integrity of buildings in Lagos. Governor Ambode expressed optimism that the collaboration between the Lagos State Government and the Nigerian Institute of structural engineers will result into making Lagos a city with safer buildings.
“It is embarrassing that the incident of collapsed buildings are still recorded in the state despite the number of professionals in the field of structural engineering. I am impressed with the willingness of you and your team of engineers to share your skills in fight against structural deficiencies in the building industry,” he said.
He also assured that his administration will continue to discharge its duties with a high level of professionalism, integrity and accuracy, adding that the state government will meet all necessary requirements to ensure that the Institute does not take its headquarters to another state.
Earlier, the President, Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers, Engr. Oreoluwa Fadayomi pledged the support of NISE to join hands with the state government and utilise their expertise as structural engineers to combat the incessant issue of collapsed buildings in the State.
Fadayomi expressed appreciation to Governor Ambode for granting them audience, saying it was a testament to his commitment to rid the state of collapsed buildings.
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (middle), in a group photograph with the President, Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers, Engr. Oreoluwa Fadayomi (6th left); Commissioner for Physical Planning & Urban Development, TPL. Waisu Anifowose (left); Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Engr. Ganiyu Johnson (5th right) and others during a courtesy visit to the Governor by the Institute, at the Lagos House, Ikeja, on Thursday, April 07, 2016.
He expressed the willingness of his team to assist the State Government in monitoring structural integrity tests and provide professional guidelines to the state on similar issues.
He further explained that during rescue operations, which follows the collapse of a building, opportunities to gather vital evidence are missed as many of the evidences are usually destroyed unknowingly during rescue operations aimed at saving injured victims.
“We can help to ensure that this doesn’t occur again, by putting actions in place to ensure that these pieces are preserved,” Fadayomi said.