Nigerians tasked on building standard adherence
The President of Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) Kunle Awobodu says it is a waste of time trying to fight building collapse syndrome in a society where many citizens are not law abiding.
He stated this in his valedictory speech delivered during the 2017 annual general meeting of the organisation, at the Nigerian Institution Of Surveyors, Lagos State Chapter, CBD, Alausa, Ikeja on Thursday.
The speech titled, “The struggle against building collapse’’ Awobodu noted that this lawless attitude is also exploited by some officials for their personal benefits. He said incessant building collapse is a dent on the collective image of the Nigerian construction professionals in the eye of the world.
He said, “Construction is our field, and we are determined to excel here by promoting and observing standard practice. That initiated my identifying and bringing together like minds in the Nigerian construction industry to form Building Collapse Prevention Guild in 2011. My experience as the Chairman of the Nigerian institute of Building in Lagos State and also as a member of the Technical Committee mandated by the erstwhile Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola to reform the physical planning and building control law/regulations in Lagos State, reinforced my resolve to embark on the cause of building collapse prevention.”
Awobodu said that the technical committee's work of over two years came out in 2010 as the guiding law for physical planning and building control.
“After pioneering the BCPG activities in Lagos State, I was succeeded by Tpl. Mrs. Kehinde George, who is the first female Town Planner in Africa and also the former Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Lagos State Chapter.
“In the course of our activities, we unknowingly stepped on some toes. Those who benefit from the proceeds of irregularities in the construction process created resistance. In their eye, BCPG was a threat. Hence, they employed subtle campaign of calumny and blackmail to discourage our members. Unfortunately for mischief makers, we have learnt not to be bothered by negative comments and to remain focused. Sincerity of purpose was the source of our courage and the hallmark of our commitment.
“However, some BCPG members in the face of perceived repercussion took a cowardly retreat. But the committed ones continued with the struggle against building collapse. Today, I commiserate with the weak and commend the courageous.”
Having built the BCPG out of the complex substructure, it is time for another competent BCPG member to provide leadership and ensure the good work of the voluntary organisation is sustained in an enduring superstructure.
He said that one of the unique achievements of BCPG is that it has succeeded in dousing the unhealthy rivalries, bickerings and discrimination among the Nigerian built environment professionals.
“It is pertinent to mention that the unique BCPG Technical Committee on the investigation of collapsed buildings scientifically unraveled the causes of the collapsed Synagogue Church building and Lekki Gardens building. The two reports that have become the property of the government are, today, the enabling instrument for the prosecution of the two cases in court.”