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Engineers Call for Adherence to Standards to Prevent Building Collapse in Ondo State

 

The Ondo State Government has been urged to enforce strict compliance with safety standards for all buildings and structures under construction to prevent the recurring issue of building collapse and the resultant loss of lives.




The call was made on Saturday by the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Ondo State chapter, during a public awareness walk in Akure, the state capital. The event, themed “Walk Against Building Collapse,” brought together professionals to raise awareness about the dangers of cutting corners in construction and the need to prioritize safety and professionalism.

Speaking to journalists at the Alagbaka roundabout, where members of the institution converged, the state Chairman of NICE, Engr. Rasak Ejibunu, attributed most cases of structural defects and building collapse to the actions of building owners. According to him, many developers compromise on quality by cutting costs, often ignoring professional advice and safety standards.

“A lot of factors contribute to building collapse,” Ejibunu explained. “One of the major issues lies with clients trying to cut corners. For instance, a project that should cost N10 million is sometimes reduced to N5 million because the owner is trying to save money. This often leads to the use of substandard materials and improper supervision.”

He further emphasized the importance of engaging qualified professionals in construction projects, noting that relying on untrained individuals such as carpenters or unqualified vendors to supervise projects often results in structural defects.

“There are many categories of engineers,” he continued. “When it comes to buildings, people should patronize civil engineers. Among civil engineers, we have structural engineers, building engineers, water engineers, and so on. It is essential for government agencies, parastatals, and the general public to prioritize hiring these professionals to ensure safety and quality.”

The state Vice Chairman of NICE, Engr. Oluwafunmilayo Oluwatayo, also weighed in, highlighting the dangers of hiring quacks in a bid to save money. He noted that while it may seem cost-effective in the short term, the long-term consequences often include financial losses and risks to human lives.

“In recent years, the rate of building collapses has been alarming,” Oluwatayo said. “This is why we need to rise up against this trend. Most of these problems occur because people avoid professionals. Many are not well-informed about the importance of engaging qualified engineers, and this is one of the reasons for this awareness campaign.”

He further explained the procedures that should be followed during construction, emphasizing the role of government in enforcing these regulations. “The government has a department in charge of approving building designs. Before constructing any structure, there are steps to follow. The design stage requires submission of design plans to the approving ministry for evaluation. Unfortunately, many people ignore these procedures and cut corners, leading to structural failures.”

Similarly, the Chairman of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Akure Branch, Engr. Oluwaseun Adeyeye, stressed the importance of public awareness about engaging professionals in construction.

“Our goal today is to create awareness about the importance of hiring qualified professionals,” Adeyeye said. “It is not the job of a carpenter to take on the responsibilities of a civil engineer. This is why we are out here to sensitize the public about the dangers of entrusting critical construction projects to unqualified individuals.”

The walk highlighted the urgent need for all stakeholders, including government agencies, building owners, and the general public, to collaborate in addressing the root causes of building collapse. By enforcing regulations and ensuring the engagement of professionals, the Ondo State Government can reduce the frequency of such incidents and safeguard lives and property.

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