Building collapse: Senate wants regulatory agencies to enforce construction standards

The Senate has urged regulatory agencies in the building and construction sector to ensure full compliance to standards required for construction of buildings in the country.
The call followed a motion of urgent public importance on the massive building collapse and flood in Jos metropolis in Plateau.
The motion was brought by Sen. Istifanus Gyang (PDP-Plateau) under Order 42 and 52 of the Senate rules.
Gyang said the massive building collapse and flooding in Jos metropolis had resulted in the death of 15 persons.
According to him, three people were killed in the flood, while 12 people were left dead in the building collapse.
He said the recurring building collapse across the country was obviously due to non-adherence to standards of building rules by developers.
He said more worrisome was an issue of compromise of some regulatory agencies in enforcing the building standards.
In his contribution, Sen. Lawrence Ewhrudjakpo (PDP-Bayelsa) appealed to his colleagues to support the motion.
He said the Senate should ensure that regulatory agencies issue necessary approvals for building to developers.
This, he said, would mitigate the issue of cutting corners by the developers and regulatory agencies.
Consequently, the Senate resolved to urge the regulatory agencies to enforce stipulated standards on all property developers.
It also urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to upgrade its capacity in terms of prompt response to disasters.
Besides, the red chamber also enjoined NEMA to give relief materials to the affected people in Jos.
The Senate further observed a minute silence for the victims. (NAN)