Following incessant cases of building collapse in Nigeria, a real estate expert, Kunle Ilori-Diamond, has proffered solutions to the challenge, which has become a source of worry to government.
Media Talk Africa reports that a document from the Building Collapse Prevention Guild states that Lagos State tops the list of fatalities as over 271 buildings collapsed in the last 10 years in Nigeria.
To put an end to this preventable loss of lives and properties, Ilori-Diamond warned that the use of substandard products in real estate business has to be curbed across the nation.
The Dubai-based realtor, in an interview with Media Talk Africa, held that there are various measures that could be implemented to control building collapses and ensure the safety and stability of structures in the Nigerian real estate sector.
According to him, the Nigerian government, through its regulatory bodies, can establish stringent building codes, which will establish a comprehensive framework to prevent incidents of building collapse.
He suggested that Lagos and other states should establish regulatory bodies to oversee the real estate business.
These bodies, he stated, would monitor construction activities, enforce building codes, conduct regular inspections to ensure compliance and have the authority to impose penalties or suspend projects that fail to meet the required standards.
Ilori-Diamond charged the government at all levels to “have strict building rules and regulations in place to ensure that construction projects meet certain standards. These codes should cover various aspects, including structural integrity, fire safety, electrical systems, and materials used. Compliance with these regulations is mandatory, and inspections are carried out throughout the construction process.
“So, let’s say I am about to build a house or a building, I must first submit my affection plan and designs to the real estate regulatory agency. After the approval of that, the first stage of the building should be done and I must also apply for an approval to continue. When we reach the final stage, before the finishings are made, an approval should be taken to ensure that it is quality enough for habitation.”
“After completion, buildings should be subjected to compulsory ongoing maintenance and periodic inspections.
“The government should also focus on raising public awareness about safety measures and educating stakeholders in the real estate sector. This includes promoting safety campaigns, providing information about building regulations and guidelines, and encouraging developers, contractors, and engineers to stay updated on the latest practices,” he stated.
