Following the collapse of a 21 story building under construction on Gerrard Road, Ikoyi, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has ordered the indefinite suspension of the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) Mr. Gbolahan Oki.
State Commissioner for Information, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso who announced this in a statement said a help desk is to be set up at the site for people seeking information about their relations who may have been involved in the incident.
“Government would be releasing information whenever the need arises to avoid any sensational reporting of the unfortunate incident, the state is also setting up an independent panel to probe the collapse of the 21-story building.
“Members of the panel will be drawn from the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), and other professional bodies, and it 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.
“Government will embark on further foundation and borehole acidic level tests to ascertain the impact on the collapsed building. These tests, particularly the borehole acidic level is important for the entire Gerrard Road and adjoining areas,” Omotoso said.
The commissioner restated that all developers and property owners are required to adhere strictly to all Building Codes and Planning Regulations to ensure the safety of lives and property. “Those who ignore such regulations, breaking seals and defying enforcement, will surely be prosecuted”.
“Rescue operation is still ongoing at the site of the collapsed building and more equipment and personnel have been deployed to save more lives from the incident in which 14 mortalities have been recorded while 9 persons have been rescued from the rubble as of 2 O’clock this afternoon (Tuesday).
