The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has advocated using domesticated building codes to avert building collapse in Lagos State.
Speaking recently, while welcoming a team from the Nigerian Association For Engineering Geology and the Environment on a courtesy visit to the Agency, the General Manager of LSMTL, Engr. Olayinka Abdul stated that domestication of building codes would play a prominent part in ensuring buildings’ safety as it will ensure that most processes adopted in erecting structures are suitable to the locality.
She said, “The start of every foundation comes with critical analysis of soil investigations since soil constituency differs from regions and States often requiring more than ‘one fit all’ processes to collate its diverse samples which should be well-domesticated and explored”.
While enumerating professionalism as it resonates with optimal productivity in the built industry, Abdul informed that practical knowledge and clear analysis coated with sincerity of purpose, should become a priority in the Engineering sphere, to avert various disasters associated with specialised departments of Engineering.
In her words, “Many mistakes are being made in buildings’ construction. Most of these mistakes are not just about materials being used for projects, but the inability of Engineers to defend their certifications”.
“Lagos State is the Centre of Excellence that is averse to mediocrity in all its forms, hence, access to Projects will wear different perspectives at ensuring the materials used for construction are top-notch devoid of sub-standard to make constructed structures last longer.
“If the right Geotechnical reports are not well generated, the resultant effects are haphazardly constructed structures that won’t last. That is why it is imperative to have the input of experts to enhance productivity while the Association, as a regulatory body, should sanction members who violate the stipulated rules and regulations”, Engr. Abdul added.
In his address, the President of the National Association of Engineering Geology and Environment, Dr. Kayode Adeola emphasised that most building materials used for construction purposes are being produced in low-grade quantities that wear off so easily over time.
He said, “Most building materials are produced in subpar quality owing to the pressing economic conditions. The 15mm rods now come in 8mm if tested, and this is detrimental to the standards for building safety. Lagos State being a safe environment for the built industry must ensure that all products must come in quality standards”.
Also speaking, the Public Relations Officer of NAEGE, Mr. Frank Ikwewam averred that there is a need to establish streamlined procedures of operations in Lagos State using LSMTL as a mentor for Engineers towards regulating construction processes.
