BCPG Urges Lagos Assembly To Investigate Building Collapse Deaths

The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG), a coalition umbrella body of built environment professionals passionate on the eradication of building collapse menace has urged the Lagos State House of Assembly to carryout full scale investigation on a three-storey building under construction which collapsed last week at No 10, Oremeta Street, Ojodu, Lagos killing seven people.

The BCPG, in a statement signed by its Coordinator, Ojodu Cell Surveyor Abiodun Adegoke, General Secretary, BCPG Ojodu Cell, Mr. Dom Ibeh, an architect and the Public Relations Officer, BCPG Ojodu Cell. Mr. Femi Ishola lamented that this particular collapse, with its accompanying loss of innocent lives, was preventable.

They said,’’ The Lagos State House of Assembly should ensure that the collapsed building at No 10, Oremeta Street, Ojodu, is thoroughly investigated.

“As an oversight function, the Assembly should set up a committee to determine the current state of the collapsed building sites in Ojodu and Lagos State.

“BCPG will provide the Assembly a comprehensive list of collapsed building locations in Lagos State if requested.

Integrity is the hallmark of building collapse prevention. Safety of lives and property should not continue to be compromised.’’

The BCPG affirmed that, “Among other valid recommendations that were made by BCPG Ojodu Cell was the need to conduct structural integrity tests on the three-storey building adjoining the compound of the collapsed building.  The engagement of competent professionals in the process of building development was included.

“Interestingly, the building that collapsed on Bashiru Street was about 150 m away from Oremeta Street.  Despite the proximity of the two buildings, similar factors were experienced.

“The building at No. 10, Oremeta Street, was also being constructed beyond the normal duration, exposing it to severe weather effects for years. The ground floor of the framed structure was used as a restaurant, bar, and other entertainment activities (named Equal Right Restaurant and Bar). The building collapsed when construction work resumed after a very long break.

“Coincidentally, the location of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory has been in Ojodu. Structural integrity and other relevant tests were readily available.’’