The Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) is calling on the Lagos State Government to leverage technology in its fight against building collapses. Nairametrics reports that BCPG Ikeja Cell Coordinator Mr. Gbolahan Oyelakin recently urged the Lagos State Government to utilise technology for building performance monitoring, in an interview with NAN.
Oyelakin stressed the importance of proactive measures, stating, “We need to deploy technology in monitoring the performance of buildings to avoid waiting for incidents to occur before responding.” He pointed out that technology can track the lifecycle of a building, alerting authorities when materials are nearing failure, which is key to preventing collapses.
This call for technology adoption comes in the wake of a concerning trend of building collapses in Lagos. According to the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Lagos has witnessed nearly 90 building collapses in the past 12 years, resulting in over 350 fatalities. Just two weeks prior to Oyelakin’s statement, a two-storey building collapsed in the Orile Iganmu area, underscoring the urgency of the situation.
How Technology Can Help
The BCPG believes that integrating technology into building monitoring can significantly enhance safety and prevent future tragedies. Here are some ways technology can be utilised:
- Sensors and Monitoring Systems: Sensors embedded within buildings can monitor stress, strain, and other structural parameters in real-time. This data can be analysed to identify potential weaknesses and predict potential failures before they occur.
- Building Information Modeling (BIM): BIM software can create a digital representation of a building, allowing for detailed analysis of its structural integrity and potential risks throughout its lifecycle.
- Drone Technology: Drones equipped with cameras and sensors can inspect buildings for signs of damage or deterioration, providing valuable data for preventative maintenance.
- Artificial Intelligence (AI): AI algorithms can analyse data from various sources, such as sensors, weather patterns, and historical records, to identify patterns and predict potential risks.
Examples of Technology in Action
Several cities around the world are already leveraging technology to enhance building safety. In Singapore, for example, the government has implemented a Building and Construction Authority (BCA) system that uses sensors and data analytics to monitor building performance and identify potential risks.
Similarly, in San Francisco, the Department of Building Inspection is using drone technology to inspect buildings for structural damage, particularly in areas prone to earthquakes.
A Call for Action
The BCPG’s call for technology adoption in Lagos is a crucial step towards preventing building collapses and ensuring the safety of residents. By embracing technology, the Lagos State Government can proactively identify and address potential risks, ultimately saving lives and protecting property.
This proactive approach requires a collaborative effort between government agencies, construction professionals, and technology providers. By working together, they can create a safer and more resilient built environment for all Lagosians.
This article was updated to include the Nairametrics Report.
