The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has reiterated the need for all the building contractors and developers in the State to always abide by the State’s building codes and regulations before and during building constructions to prevent the unnecessary collapse of buildings and subsequent loss of lives and property.
The Chief Executive Officer, Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu while briefing journalists said the collapse of the building occurred at about 11.05 pm on Wednesday 26th, June, 2019 at K Farm Estate Fagba, Iju Road in Ifako Ijaye Local Council Development Area of the State.
He said preliminary report revealed that the incident was as a result of the use of substandard building materials and lack of expertise in the building construction.
According to him, the Agency received the distress call regarding the collapsed building through the emergency toll-free number 112/767 and immediately mobilised the agency’s response team with other stakeholders to the scene.
Osanyintolu said that on arrival at the scene, it was discovered that a three-storey building said to be presently undergoing construction suddenly collapsed.
He further explained that no casualty was recorded in the incident due to the prompt response of the agency, but that the 12 people rescued from the scene were all treated and discharged immediately.
While noting that other relevant government Agencies have also been contacted for further investigation into the real cause of the incident to prevent future occurrence in the State, he maintained that the Agency will continue to partner with stakeholders and embark on advocacy to educate all residents on the need to imbibe a culture of safety to avoid unnecessary loss of lives in the State.