In its bid for enhanced knowledge on standardisation to ensure qualitative performance in averting building collapse across the metropolis, the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has organised a two-day training workshop for its Technical Consultants.
The forum which was a collaboration of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency with the Association of Consulting Engineers for Nigeria (ACEN), was themed: “A Deep Dive into Cutting Edge Evaluation Testing and Reporting Standards for Technical Consultants”.
The General Manager of the Agency, Engr. Olayinka Abdul while addressing the participants noted that the building collapse was an embarrassment to the level of professionalism exuded by qualified Engineers within the metropolis owing to their years of practice. Hence, a need for a reviewed reporting methodology for testing building/construction materials.
She said, “Reporting of materials testing and its methodology calls for urgent review as Lagos State is identified with excellence and consistent collapse to structures mars the impeccability of its teaming professionals, which is why LSMTL as the bedrock of the built industry needs to exert all forms of strategies to curb”.
While advocating for shared knowledge and fostering goals in stepping-up technical expertise, the General Manager expressed gratitude to the Lagos State Governor; Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu magnanimous nature in adopting formidable strategies in stirring up the vision of her Agency on zero tolerance to building collapse.
She enjoined participants to uphold the mandate of the Agency on integrity to work practice, saying “After this training, you will do things differently. Be committed in your capacity, and stop peripheral reporting and mediocrity in your task execution. Review all processes right, for if any mishap occurs there will be sanctions”.
Engr. Abdul further disclosed that reports from the Agency will be watermarked with seals and codes to curb counterfeiting.
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Office of Works, Arch. Odusanya Adebayo Ayodeji implored Technical Consultants for a collaboration that fosters the mandate of the Agency to ensure a safe Lagos with commendable standards that effectively curb building collapse.
In his address, the General Manager of Public Works Corporation, Engr. Tokunbo Ajanaku, called for precision in conducting materials tests as any form of misplacement could cause mishaps to lives and Assets.
He said “The built environment is a beautiful one. Do whatever makes it even more beautiful by exerting your professionalism on integrity, knowledge and creativity as the whole built environment depends on the value of your work ethic. I urge you all, to be passionate and dedicated to the quality of work that you do”.
According to Dr. Kofo Popoola, a Civil Engineer, who facilitated the forum, every infrastructure depends on the soil since it has become a huge problem in most construction processes.
He said, “Soil investigation is the first stage for building or construction purposes, as it will ensure profiled structure and interaction in identifying potential hazards in mitigating risk effects to optimise foundation design.
