Structural engineers strategize against structural failures, building collapse

The Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers, (NISstructE), have expressed their resolve to reduce structural failures and building collapse in the country.

The President, NISstructE, Dr Kehinde Osifala, made their position known during a press conference in Lagos on his investiture as the 20th president of the institute, adding that the institute would initiate its advocacy project to curb structural failures and building collapses.

Osifala pointed out that if the advocacy project which is about the enlightenment of the people on structural and building collapse is well executed, it will create the much desired awareness, and once this is created, the public will be on the alert and self-monitor sharp practices in the construction industry.

The project, he said, would be targeted at members of the public who build or engage others, particularly artisans, construction industry professionals, engineering family members and other professionals, government arms and regulatory agencies.

Consequently, he added that the issues to be addressed by the advocacy project include causes of building collapse, prevention of building collapse, remedial actions necessary, signs to watch out for on distressed structures and buildings.

The President, NISstructE noted that other areas of the advocacy also include who to talk to and consult with respect to distressed buildings, as well as what the government was expected to do when there was a structural collapse.

He revealed that the institution was not under any government subvention, stressing that it relied on its self-effort, support of the government and corporate bodies as contributions towards its social responsibility for the programme as well as members of the public.

Osifala solicited for the support of the governments, especially the Lagos State Government, as he said that Lagos led and others followed.

He envisioned that if the spate of collapses is reduced in Lagos, it will also automatically be reduced in other states of the federation as they will gladly emulate Lagos.

He charged the stakeholders to partner with the institute to save lives and valuable properties that were usually lost when there were collapses.

Osifala declared that the Chairman, Governing Council, Yaba College of Technology, Lateef Fagbemi, would be the chairman and chief launcher of the advocacy project.