LSMTL PARTNERS ODUNLADE MARKET STAKEHOLDERS ON MATERIALS TESTING ,TO CURB BUILDING COLLAPSE
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The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has called on Building Materials Dealers to prioritize Quality Assurance as a critical safeguard for Lives and Property, during a Sensitization Campaign held at the Odunlade Building Materials Dealers Market, Coker, Lagos.
The forum, which brought together Market Leaders and Materials Dealers, was facilitated to address the rising concerns over substandard Construction inputs and their devastating consequences on structural integrity across Lagos State , even as the Structural integrity of the Market Buildings , are being considered for assessment.
Speaking at the Event, themed “ Quality Assurance is the Key to Preserving Lives, Check your Buildings for Structural Integrity “ , Engr. Olayinka Abdul; General Manager of LSMTL, who was represented by the Director of Business Development Unit 1, Mrs. Omolara Awosanya, emphasized that Materials Testing remains the foundation of any Construction Process.
She stressed that compromising on quality at the point of purchase , sets the stage for catastrophic failure down the line.
“Materials testing is the foundation of any Construction Process. 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,” Engr. Abdul stated .
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She further highlighted that most building collapses recorded across the State , can be traced to the use of substandard Materials, reinforcing the need for Market Dealers to Partner with Regulatory Agencies in ensuring only quality products leave their outlets , as well as their structures housing these sold building Materials , are in good condition
The General Manager reiterated that the Lagos State Government, under its renewed Agenda for Infrastructural Development towards ensuring all Structures have passed a scrutiny of Certificate of Fitness , will no longer tolerate compromises on Quality, warning that the era of cutting corners in Materials selection must end .
In his address, Mr. Emenike Steven, Market Leader of Odunlade Building Materials Dealers Association , commended LSMTL for the initiative, describing it as timely and necessary.
He pledged the Market’s commitment to sensitizing Members and ensuring Compliance with Standard Testing Protocols.
“We are grateful for this engagement. As dealers, we are the first line of defense in the Construction value chain, and I believe we must lead by example at ensuring our own structures remain safe for all customers. Worst still, If we get it wrong at the point of supply, the entire building becomes a death trap. We will work with LSMTL to ensure our members understand the importance of selling only tested and certified materials,just as we would work towards obtaining the Lagos State Certificate of Fitness to Structures following assessments by LSMTL” Steven said.
According to the Director, Research and Development , LSMTL; Mrs Titilayo Lawal, Safety to lives and Assets is paramount in Lagos State, she said “ just as we take care of ourselves to ensure we are in good health, our buildings need adequate care, from scrutinizing the materials used to retrofitting, to the soil, water, steel and Concrete, there is need to be intentional at ensuring the quality of materials used , are safe ”
Also contributing, Bldr. Babajide Oyedele, Assistant Head of Technical Service Department , LSMTL, who served as the Facilitator of the Forum, took Participants through practical demonstrations on identifying substandard Materials and the procedures for accessing the Agency’s Testing services.
Oyedele explained that LSMTL offers Comprehensive Testing Services, including Concrete Testing, Soil Testing, Aggregate Testing, Steel reinforcement testing, Asphalt Flexible Pavement testing, and Non-Destructive Testing for existing structures .
He implored Dealers to see testing not as an expense, but, as an Investment in Public Safety and Business sustainability.
“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,” Oyedele noted .
Oyedele averred saying” just as you cannot call anybody who you assume can sew to perform Caesarean Section on your pregnant wife except a licensed Doctor, you cannot just recruit any uncertified artisan as Engineer for your structures. Remember that all building test as re – conducted every five years, hence, only qualified hands can ensure such safe construction. Stop patronizing quacks to jeopardize structures across the Lagos Metropolis ”
The Sensitization Campaign aligns with broader efforts by the Federal Government and Professional Bodies, including the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) and the Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria (CORBON), to ensure that Construction materials used across the Nation, meet international standards, thereby reducing the risk of infrastructure failure .
Lagos State has consistently led the way in enforcing quality standards, with LSMTL serving as a Technical Advisor to Builders, Producers, and now Market Stakeholders, providing guidance on Material selection and cost-effective Manufacturing processes to uphold quality .
The highlights of the Forum was an established Commitment for a Continuous Monitoring Mechanism and regular engagement between LSMTL and the Odunlade Market Leadership , to ensure sustained Compliance with Materials Testing Protocols .
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