Order Test On Lagos Buildings Under Construction – Civil Engineer Atolagbe Tells Governor Sanwo Olu

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Order Test On Lagos Buildings Under Construction – Civil Engineer Atolagbe Tells Governor Sanwo Olu

A civil engineer, Atolagbe Oloruntoba, has called for immediate decisive action following the Ikoyi building collapse in Lagos.

So far, 40 people have been confirmed dead and more than a dozen injured in one of the worst tragedies in the state’s history.

Atolagbe charged Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to order a general integrity test on buildings under construction in Lagos.

The Chief Executive Officer of Stacon Projects and Properties Limited gave the counsel in an interview with WAPLOADED.

Atolagbe expressed sadness over the avoidable loss of lives, stressing that the government and officials are a reflection of the people.

He said there are steps to follow in designs, building and construction but regretted Lagos is lagging behind in enforcement.

“Everyone is responsible. There are government factors; there are client (project owners) factors. Some so-called engineers are not professionals.

“Representatives from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) are meant to visit project sites to ensure compliance with approvals granted.

“They do visit but they go to these places to wine, dine and take home goodies from the Engineers and developers.

“Just like we have pelvic in every human, so also is how Engineers carry the weight of an entire structure. Their job is very crucial.

“We now have poor monitoring, poor designs, poorly mixed concrete, reduction of necessary sizes of steel reinforcement bar during construction,”

He said.

Atolagbe insists the case of the collapsed building at 20, Gerrard Road was negligence on part of the authorities and the owner of the structure.

“How do you explain that such infringement was not noticed despite the previous project management letter in 2020? Heads should roll, especially those of state inspectors,”

He added.

Atolagbe appealed to the state and federal government to stop the recurring loss of innocent souls, especially labourers hustling to feed themselves and their families.

The Civil Engineer advised Sanwo-Olu to, as part of immediate actions, direct a general assessment of structures being erected.

“Many buildings in Lagos will fail integrity test. I implore the government to run tests at all identified sites. This will help to forestall more disasters which we pray against”,

He added.

The Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) are yet to comment on the catastrophe.