The Lagos State Government has enjoined all licensed Joint Partners to conduct Destructive Tests (DT) and Non-Destructive Tests( NDT) across all housing projects in the State, as a pivotal tool to averting building collapse.
Making this call in Ikeja on Wednesday during a meeting organised by the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSTML) and the Ministry of Housing, the General Manager of LSMTL, Engr Abdul Olayinka, expressed concerns over the incessant of buildings’ collapse and structural defects, despite the array of built experts across Lagos State.
She said, “Materials testing is the foundation of any construction process. Thus, you must make NDT the first process for all existing structures requiring renovations or those that have been damaged by fire. Not adhering to this simply implies you do not even understand what you are doing. When you drill your borehole, you must test the water as well as the soil and granite through an irrevocable materials test procedure, which is the legitimate built process”.
While lauding the collaboration amongst Government Agencies in fostering safe and durable structures, the General Manager stated, “The Ministry of Housing plays a focal role in constructing Public Housing across Lagos State, and we at LSMTL must help them do it right. This is not about knowing somebody at the top, I know somebody in the middle or going to your principals to meddle in choosing to do the right thing. All Materials Testing must statutorily be conducted”.
She intimated that most contractors cut corners, hence making it difficult for an aligned process on materials testing at the detriment of the government’s ability to adequately enforce standards on its statutory obligations in hoisting durable structures under its charge.
Engr. Abdul implored for confidence in the construction of the Government’s projects, saying, “We are supposed to beat our chests that the Government‘s projects should be the standard in the construction industry. We want the government to be sure that these projects they are partnering with you on can stand for the next 50 years”.
Still speaking, the General Manager averred that her Agency’s partnership with the Ministry of Housing, is with view to enhance the proficiency of built experts at setting a pace of improvement in construction projects for safety to lives and assets that will stand the test of time.
According to QS O. O Ajayi, Chief Quantity Surveyor in the Ministry of Housing, who commended the efforts of LSMTL under a new Administration in enforcing a synergy amongst built professionals for safe structures, there is ample need to create a standard framework for building structures that can withstand high-pressure levels to avert disasters.
He said, “We need to have a flow chart that everyone is in sync with. And we need to educate all stakeholders, including the grassroots, for sustainable building development. We do not want a legacy that associates us all with mediocrity in all its forms”
Highlight of the interactive session included proactive measures in nurturing Stakeholders’ Engagements through periodic meetings, regular data gathering/sharing, even as projected centres are proffered for materials collation across communities of Lagos State.
