LAGOS ENAGAGES BLOCK MOULDERS ASSOCIATION ON BUILDING MATERIALS STANDARDS
In furtherance to the move towards achieving a zero-tolerance to building collapse in the State, the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) engaged the National and Lagos State Executives of National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON),who are critical stakeholders in the Building Industry.
The Acting General Manager of LSMTL, Engr. Olalekan Ajani who met officials of the Association in his Office at Ojodu-Berger said that it was imperative for the Agency and the Association to strengthen their areas of common interest in the delivery of standard building materials in the state.
“This meeting is meant to seek your input in the ways and manners construction works are done across the State. Tell us your observations and the feelers from other members of your Association. The whole essence is that we want to stem the tide of building collapse in all parts of the State”, and therefore urge them to conform with established standards guiding their operations, stressing that the Agency was determined to commence monitoring of their operational processes in the production of sandcrete blocks, concrete rings etc.
He advised all block moulders operators in the State, to come together under one umbrella and register with the State Government so that the activities of quackery could be checked and compliance to standards would be better enforced.
Responding, the National President of the Association, Alhaji Adebowale, called on the Agency to assist in the area of advocacy on the importance for all block moulders to be duly registered.
“We want the Agency to prevail on all block moulders in the industry to always have the names of their companies clearly stamped on all blocks made by them; this will make it possible and easy to know authentic operators. With this, the Materials Testing Laboratory can also easily identify any industry that flouts standards in case of any building collapse.” the President pleaded.
The Chairman of Lagos State Chapter, Otunba Alesinloye, appealed to the State Government to patronize block moulders who are registered with the government, while also urging those that are yet to register to approach the leadership of the association.
He further explained that although their activities are already being monitored and regulated by the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON), the enforcement of standards by the LSMTL will also go a long way in ensuring a safer Lagos.
In conclusion, it was agreed by both parties to work together to achieve the agenda of His Excellency, the Governor of Lagos State, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration towards Building by the Rules in Lagos State.