REAL estate developers and building owners have been urged to cooperate with the officials of the Lagos State Government in the implementation of the newly introduced Certified Accreditors Programme ( CAP) across the state.
Giving the advice during the stakeholders engagement forum organised by the Lagos State Building Control Agency ( LASBCA), Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, said that CAP was introduced to eradicate issues of building collapse in the state.
As a result of this new development, he appealed to building owners and developers to obtain necessary government’s documents, certifications, engage professionals, and carry out proper tests (soil tests) in every stage of their buildings from start to finish.
CAP is a programme whereby professionals in the built sector will be involved in both the approval processes and inspection of building projects.
The certified accreditors, who are qualified consultants in the built sector, are to assist with reviewing building plans, inspections, and monitoring compliance.
Sanwo-Olu, said “My administration is very passionate about ending issues of building collapse in Lagos State and this has informed the introduction of the Certified Accreditors Programme whereby professionals in the built sector will be involved in both the approval processes and inspection of building projects.
While craving the support of everyone, the governor told all stakeholders, especially developers to cooperate with government’s officers when they visit their site, by producing all required documents.
“Do not see government officials as your enemy, we are rather partners in progress! We are only checkmating officers who are out to ensure that we inspect your projects and ensure that we have safe and healthy buildings for present and future generations,” he said about the theme of the forum:”
Speaking on the theme of the forum:” Professionalism Across Board in the Built Environment”, the governor pointed out professionalism in the built environment in Nigeria, particularly in Lagos State, was a critical undertaking that demanded urgent attention and commitment.
According to him, urban areas have been experiencing rapid population growth which has placed tremendous pressure on the existing infrastructural facilities.
“One major challenge we face as a government, is citizen strict adherence to building codes which often translates to complete disregard to building regulations by home owners and developers.
“While we realize that shelter is of utmost importance, we constantly advocate that as responsible citizens, there is a need to build right in order to have buildings that are safe, healthy and preserved for future generation.
“It is very crucial at this point in our history to enforce building regulations to the latter so as to prevent illegal, haphazard and poorly constructed buildings that is detrimental to the wellbeing of Lagosians. That is why we are strongly advocating that only professionals should be engage in building constructions in the state,’ he said.
He mentioned that professionals in the built environment included builders, architects, structural /civil engineers, geologists mechanical and electrical engineers, pointing out that engaging these professionals will solve 70 percent of the challenges of building collapse across the state.
“Therefore, it is now mandatory that all relevant professionals in the built environment are fully engage in any building construction in the state.
“Let me say it loud and clear here that major stakeholders in the built industry must be fully involve and play their roles adequately and effectively in the built industry,” the governor said.
He explained that professional bodies played a huge role in the building process, from designs to supervision, construction and management of the entire process, “hence there should be unity and a sense of purpose, always remember that if one gets it wrong, there would be a domino effect.”
He urged all professional bodies to as a matter of urgency register all deserving candidates, saying this would promote professionalism and end quackery in the built sector.
“I urge the leadership of these professional bodies to devise a method to track those who are not their members as well as put in place stringent punitive measures to punish members who are not practicing in line with the code of professional conduct of the associations,” he said.
To building owners and developers, the governor urged them to ensure that before the embark on their project, they obtain necessary government’s documents, certifications, engage professional, carry out proper tests (soil tests) and involve LASBCA in every stage of their buildings from start to finish.
“ They should not because of the financial involvement try and cut corners by engaging those who are not professionals,” he said.
He also spoke about the artisans, comprising the carpenters, bricklayers, iron benders, tillers and plumbers, among others, pointing out that their role is also crucial and, must be encouraged to do the right thing.
“They must use the right mix and not try to cut corners in performing their duties,” he said.
Acknowledging the role of building materials ‘ manufacturers in ensuring sustainability of buildings across the state and the nation generally, the governor advised them not to reduce the quality of their products despite the economic recession.
“To the public, see something, say something should apply here, have you noticed any illegal, non-conforming or distress structure? Please report to the appropriate authority,” he said.
Sanwoolu said the role of the government was to provide an enabling environment and make policies to promote healthy buildings, pointing out that his government had been able to achieve this with the introduction of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and other agencies like Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) and Lagos Safety
Commission (LCSC) who play vital roles in the built environment.
He said “These agencies are to ensure that basic minimum standard are maintained in building construction and renovation, in order to ensure that existing and new buildings are safe, secure and habitable for present and future generation.
“The task of ensuring a sustainable and structural fit buildings in our society is for everyone and it requires greater commitments from all stakeholders present here today for this event. As a government, we cannot do it alone without your support.”
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