Guild Urges Adoption of Tech Solutions to Prevent Lagos Building Collapses
The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has urged the Lagos State Government to adopt a technology-driven approach to monitor buildings and prevent catastrophic collapses. This call comes amid a series of tragic incidents that have claimed numerous lives in recent years.
Mr. Gbolahan Oyelakin, the BCPG Ikeja Coordinator, emphasized the need for proactive measures. “We need to deploy technology to monitor the performance of buildings to avoid waiting for incidents to occur before responding,” he stated.
Oyelakin highlighted the importance of data management in preventing building collapses. By analyzing data, authorities can gain valuable insights into the factors contributing to these incidents, such as human error, substandard materials, and cost-cutting measures. These insights can inform evidence-based policies and regulations to enhance building safety.
The BCPG Ikeja Coordinator, stated that life cycle assessments can identify substandard materials for early intervention. “If a material is meant to last 10 years but is compromised, technology can predict its lifespan,” he noted. He also praised LASBCA for demolishing 15 unsafe structures in Iponri and engaging residents on next steps.
He emphasized that effective data management is crucial for preventing building collapses. Oyelakin emphasized that analyzing data can help authorities understand how human behavior and cost-cutting decisions during economic downturns affect construction quality.
“Data can provide critical insights into cost-driven decisions in building projects. Understanding these patterns is essential for preventing future collapses,” he explained.
He also stressed the need for strict enforcement of insurance policies in the construction industry, expressing concern that many builders have only paper policies without adhering to their terms. “While insurance is vital, compliance is often neglected.
Mr. Oyelakin therefore called for increased accountability and proactive measures to prevent building collapses, urging the Lagos State Government to take significant steps in enforcing safety regulations and utilizing technology to protect lives and properties across the state.
What You Should Know
The frequent building collapses in Lagos have raised significant concerns among construction professionals. The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria reports that the city has experienced at least 90 building collapses in the past 12 years, resulting in over 350 fatalities.
The most recent incident occurred two weeks ago when a two-storey building collapsed on Amusu Street in the Orile Iganmu area.
The government must therefore enforce strict adherence with effective monitoring and control mechanisms.
