Expert Frets over Incessant Building Collapse Incidents in Nigeria
1,000 widows empowered in Osun
Experts in the building construction sector of the economy have blamed selfish contractors, professionals and lack of proper supervision for the incessant building collapse incidents around the country.
The Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Prof. Olufemi Omisore, while fielding questions from journalists at the recent turning of sod of Discovery Garden Estate, Osogbo identified non-involvement of relevant professionals, and emphasis on the Procurement Act, which says the lowest responsive bidder wins the contract, regardless of whether the rates are reasonable or not, as some of the factors which engender building collapse.
Omisore also blamed the perpetual incidents of building collapse on the lack of qualified and professional supervisors.
The Professor from the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State said a well-designed building could collapse if it is not well-supervised.
He also frowned on the unpatriotic and greedy roles of some “unprofessional contractors” who use inferior materials and employ cheap labour to maximise profit at the expense of human lives.
Suggesting the way forward, Omisore said there was need for building experts to design a layout, action area plan and proper soil test to know bearing capacity of the soil as well as procurement of good materials before embarking on construction of any building.
Commenting on the development which Discovery Garden Estate would bring to the state capital of Osun after its completion, he said the project would help in boosting the social economy of the state.
Speaking, developer of the new estate, Thirty Three Limited, Mr. Kunle Omisore said Discovery Garden was designed to offer a living experience in a friendly community based on a development blueprint that caters for the needs of those with discerning taste.
Omisore said the estate, on completion, would accommodate duplexes, detached houses, gardens and children play areas, walkways and other residential facilities like gymnasium, Lawn-tennis court, mini mart and swimming pool, among others.
He noted that this project was brought with an intention to help indigenes living in the Diaspora to get their dream houses in the state capital without the fear of falling into the hand of fraudsters.
According to the developer, “the project is a residential haven designed to be secure, aesthetically pleasing, and to promote a mix of luxury with affordability and uncompromising finishes.”
Omisore pointed out that the estate is located on Adesina Crescent within the GRA, in the neighbourhood of the Government House.
“It has excellent access to neighbouring towns and is within five minutes’ drive to connecting roads to Offa, Ogbomosho, Ibadan and Ikirun. Local landmarks within two minutes’ drive include the Police Headquarters and the Judiciary buildings.
“Discovery Garden upon completion will boast of 46 detached and semi-detached houses with exceptional features and excellent finishing for a comfortable lifestyle. Smart layouts, security and efficient use of space make Discovery Garden to stand out amongst others. Compact, yet roomy and naturally lit, these are cozy units with all the smart features of modern development. High quality finishes and premium fixtures are standard features of all Discovery Garden houses, he stressed.
Meanwhile, over 1,000 widows were recently given helping hand in the state as wealthy Nigerians were urged to do more for the lessprivileged in cushioning the effects of economic downturn ravaging the country.
A former banker, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, made the plea at the recent flag-off of an empowerment programme for widows financed by the Wale Bolorunduro Foundation.
Bolorunduro said the security implication of having many hungry people around for the few wealthy ones is huge, adding that those that have enough should help those that don’t have to keep the society secured.
Explaining the rationale behind the empowerment programme, an initiative of the foundation, which has been in operation since 2006, the founder said widows have special needs that must not be ignored by the society.
Unveiling the empowerment items, the APC chairman in Osun state, Mr. Adegboyega Famoodun lauded the donor for his philanthropic gesture which he described as worthy of emulation.