LAGOS GOVT DENOUNCES GROWING HARASSMENT OF BUILDING INSPECTORS
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The General Manager of the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), Engr. Olayinka Abdul, has voiced serious concerns about the increasing harassment faced by the agency’s officials during construction site inspections.
The LSMTL plays a crucial role in verifying that building materials meet stringent quality and safety standards to prevent the frequent building collapses observed in Lagos.
During a press conference held at the agency’s Ojodu office, on Wednesday, Abdul highlighted disturbing trends of pressure and intimidation directed at officials by some developers.
Some developers, Abdul said, have been pressuring staff to falsify test results and even tampering with construction material samples before testing.
“This alarming rise in sharp practices not only threatens the integrity of our work but also jeopardizes public safety,” Abdul stated.
“We are witnessing cases where our personnel are being subjected to emotional and sometimes physical abuse. This misconduct undermines our mission to safeguard lives by ensuring that construction materials meet necessary standards.”
She emphasized that these actions constitute a direct attack on the ethical standards of the profession. The agency’s commitment to maintaining high-quality standards is crucial, especially in an industry where the safety and durability of structures are at stake.
In July, Gbolahan Oki, General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, attributed the collapse of a two-storey building in Mushin to the use of substandard materials.
The building’s owner is facing legal action for defying a government stop-work order and breaking a seal placed on the structure. The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency reported rescuing seven people trapped under the rubble.
Abdul reiterated the importance of rigorous testing in construction. “In an industry where structural integrity is vital, we cannot afford to compromise on material quality. Our rigorous testing procedures are essential to ensure that materials can withstand environmental pressures and maintain durability over time,” he concluded.
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