Lagos sets up tribunal to tackle building collapse

Disturbed by the increased collapse of buildings in Lagos, the state government has set up a special tribunal to provide a platform for home owners, tenants, professionals and stakeholders in the built environment to deliberate and proffer solutions to reduce the incidence of building collapse within the state.

The tribunal which will commence its hearing on July 1 through July 12 at City Hall, Lagos is chaired by Abimbola Ajayi, an architect.

Ajayi in her address at the inaugural sitting of the tribunal noted that despite efforts by the state government, many existing buildings have been identified to be distressed, while many others are being constructed without the requisite approval.

According to her, “Some of the tribunal’s responsibilities include to inquire into the causes of collapsed buildings and building failures in the state especially in recent times and also inspect existing buildings and housing estates within the state”.

The tribunal will also examine the quality of building materials and building methods in the state, she said.