By Akinwale Kasali
The Governor of Lagos State Babajide Sanwo-Olu has decried the negligence of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA, General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, over the ill-fated Building Collapse on Gerard Road, Ikoyi. The Governor has, therefore, suspended him indefinitely from office.
The unfortunate incident has left 14 people dead, nine rescued, while some are still trapped in the rubbles.
LASG have deployed more sophisticated equipment to the site to assist in the rescue mission.
Dr Obafemi Hamzat, Lagos State Deputy Governor, who visited the site of the collapsed building, encouraged rescuers to continue the search for victims still trapped, promising that the Lagos State Government wi leave no stone unturned in carrying out a thorough investigation to unravel what happened. He then visited the Lagos Island General Hospital to see some of the victims receiving treatments.
A press statement by the Honourable Commissioner for Information of the State, Gbenga Omotoso, stated that the Lagos State Government is setting up an independent panel to probe the collapse of the building, with members of the panel drawn from the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE) and other professional bodies.
It added that the Panel will independently investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident and make recommendations on how to prevent future occurrence. The investigation is not part of the internal probe already being conducted by the government.
The statement also confirmed the indefinite suspension of the LASBCA GM, emphasising that anyone indicted by the Panel would face the wrath of the law.
Governor Sanwo-Olu applauded all first responders and those who have joined the rescue efforts, including construction giants Julius Berger, Chinese Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC) and the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA). A help desk has been set up at the site for people seeking information about their relations who may have been involved in the incident.
The Lagos State Government promised to embark on further foundation and borehole acidic level tests to ascertain the impact on the collapsed building.
These tests, LASG said, particularly will ascertain the borehole acidic level, most importantly for the entire Gerrard Road and adjoining areas.
The LASG also promised Lagosians that there will be no cover-up in the search for the truth in this incident and if anybody is found to have been indicted, he or she will face the law.
It implored all developers and property owners to adhere strictly to all Building Codes and Planning Regulations to ensure the safety of lives and properties.
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