The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) has launched a new awareness campaign to address the dangers of using low-quality building materials, particularly those sourced from water bodies. The campaign aims to educate builders on the risks associated with these materials and promote the use of high-quality alternatives.
In a recent interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Olayinka Abdul, General Manager of the agency, highlighted the negative impact of such materials on construction projects. She urged builders to avoid vendors offering freshly-mined sand, which is often more corrosive due to higher salt content, and thus unsuitable for construction.
The agency is also set to introduce measures to ensure the quality of imported steel used in building projects. Stakeholder engagements are planned in Irewe, Ese-Offin, Shibiri, and Badagry to raise awareness about the hazards of substandard materials. These sessions will involve construction professionals, traditional rulers, and other key figures in the construction industry.
To further their outreach, the agency will employ radio jingles and phone-in programmes. Collaborations with the Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and The Environment and the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers are part of the initiative to maintain high construction standards and safety.
Additionally, the agency is enhancing its monitoring of construction sites and has partnered with private consultants to broaden its oversight. Abdul announced plans to examine shore structures and conduct non-destructive tests on buildings older than ten years to ensure their structural integrity and safety.
Credit: NAN (Text Excluding Headline)
