Benjamin Omoike l Thursday, June 27, 2019
IKEJA, Nigeria – The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has reiterated the need for all the building contractors and developers in the state to always ensure they abide by the Lagos state building codes and regulations before and during building construction, to prevent unnecessary collapse of buildings and subsequent loss of lives and properties.
Speaking at the aftermath of the collapsed building which occurred at about 11.05 pm on Wednesday, June 26, 2019, at K Farm Estate, Fagba, Iju Road, in Ifako Ijaye Local Council Development Area of the state, the Chief Executive Officer of LASEMA, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, revealed that the Agency received the distress call regarding the collapsed building through the emergency toll free number 112/767.
He added that he immediately mobilised the Agency’s Response Team with other stakeholders to the scene. He said that, upon arrival of his men to the incident scene, a three storey building said to be presently undergoing construction, had suddenly collapsed.
Dr. Osanyintolu further explained that preliminary report of the Agency after physical assessment of the collapsed building revealed that the incident could be as a result of the use of substandard building materials and also, due to lack of expertise in the construction of the building.
Fortunately, he said there was no loss of life in the incident, due to the prompt response of the Agency. However, all the twelve victims were rescued alive including one trapped adult male and were all treated and discharged immediately at the spot of the incident, he explained.
The LASEMA boss said that the Agency, with the use of the excavator, pulled down the building completely, so as to ensure safety of lives and properties of people living in the adjoining buildings in the area.
While noting that other relevant government Agencies have also been contacted for further investigation as to the real cause of the incident, and to prevent future occurrence of such, he, however said the Agency will continue to partner with relevant stakeholders and also continue advocacy on the need for all and sundry to always imbibe safety culture to avoid unnecessary loss of lives and properties in Lagos.
