Victor EzejaCANADA-BASED Structural Engineer, Ben Ezenta, has stated that resolving the problem of building collapse which has been recurring in different parts of Nigeria, needs a holistic approach as there are many factors causing the disaster.
Ezenta, stated this in an exclusive interview with Prime Business Africa while commenting on issues leading to the collapse of the 21-storey building at Ikoyi in Lagos, as well as other cases in the country.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelRecently, a 21-storey building at Gerrard Road, Ikoyi collapsed, killing about 45 persons including the owner, Femi Osibona, and injured many who were trapped inside debris of the structure. This unfortunate incident, sparked reactions from different quarters, with experts examining the lapses that led to the disaster, and possible remedy to avert future cases of such.
REVEALED: ‘Why And How 21-storey Ikoyi Building Collapsed In Lagos’
The engineer who is a licensed structural safety codes officer in the city of Calgary, Canada, with over 28 years of professional experience, said any attempt to address the problem of building collapse in Nigeria should look at all factors in the building process.
The frequent cases of building collapse in different parts of Nigeria have attracted wide concern. While some blame it on quality of materials used, use of uncertified professionals to handle projects, others attribute it to poor regulatory or supervisory role on the part of government authority in charge of structures to ensure that appropriate engineering standards are maintained.
Ezenta who has handled many building projects both in Nigeria and abroad, categorically stated that focusing on addressing a particular issue in the building process while living other aspects is an effort in futility.
His words, “The solution to building collapse in Nigeria should be a holistic multi-disciplinary approach. There is no one size fits all solution or magic bullet that can solve the problem. Every solution is a piece of the puzzle and not the entire solution. Implementing only one aspect of the solution and hoping to achieve the desired result is an illusion. Any solution must address the life cycle of the building process,” Ezenta advised.
Similarly, the past president of the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (NISE), Engr Oreoluwa Fadayomi noted that a lot of things and processes are involved in a building project beginning with the client getting the right team of professionals and government regulators of structures, and other factors like specifications of quality of materials used.
These said Fadayomi, are key to averting building disaster. He said if government regulatory bodies do not do the right thing by ensuring that appropriate standards and procedures are maintained in raising structures, then there is a problem. He further observed that if the client also refuses to pick the right professional in order to cut costs, there is also a problem.
To address the challenge of building collapse in Nigeria, Ezenta highlighted the components of what he described as “life cycle of a building process”, to include: paying attention to issue of land Use, developing a building code, in line with environmental specifications to guide developers, setting up a standard building permit process, and perfect building designs that that should be adhered to during construction.
He also advised that proper soil assessment and geotechnical services should be incorporated in the building process, while also engaging qualified professionals.
Other issues he stressed that should be addressed include building material quality, training and certification for building professionals, sensitization and awareness for the public about building standards, especially client, on dangers of engaging quacks; routine inspection of building projects by appropriate regulatory authority, and sanctioning of erring individuals (either the client or the professional).
He also advised that government should develop a system of automatic assessment of existing buildings to determine their conditions at regular intervals all in a bid to ensure the sustainability of structures.
Ezenta also talked about engaging Insurance services to cover building projects, liabilities and warrantee.
Victor Ezeja is a passionate journalist with six years of experience writing on economy, politics and energy. He holds a Masters degree in Mass Communication.
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