The National President, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, Nathaniel Atebije, has called for stiff penalties against those complicit in building collapse across the country. He said the incessant collapse of buildings showed a lack of value for human life in the country.
Atebije, who described the problem as systemic, said it was mainly caused by negligence, poor workmanship and engaging unqualified workmen on site among other corrupt practices.
There were two incidents of building collapse in Lagos and the Federal Capital Territory within a week, leaving three dead and many injured.
Atebije added, “Building collapse has been the outcome of lack of value for human life. It is the result of negligence, poor workmanship, engaging unqualified workmen on site and violation of planning laws, regulations and building codes.
“The problems of building collapse are systemic in the sense that some government officials that normally vet plans, grant development permits and monitor/supervise/certify building construction are not qualified while others can be compromised through corrupt practices.
“The government has been dealing with such offenders with kid gloves. Most offenders have only been punished by revoking their titles to the land which may be collected back by the same offender through the back door under another name. Stiff penalties must be meted to offenders.”
He also recommended a compulsory ethical re-orientation, training and retraining of public officers in the sector.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Institute of Building has said the capacity building of artisans and craftsmen in the built industry is a viable solution to address the challenge of skills dearth and importation in the country.
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