The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) has urged block moulders and other stakeholders in the built environment to prioritise quality over cost to avoid building collapse.

The general manager of LSMTL, Olayinka Abdul, gave the advice at a grassroots advocacy forum against building collapse, on Wednesday.

It was organised by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild, Ayobo-Ipaja Cell, for block moulders, in Lagos.

The forum had the theme, “Maintaining the Quality of Sandcrete Blocks in an Environment Fraught with Volatile Production Costs’’.

Mrs Abdul said that prioritising quality over cost in the construction industry would ensure the safety and durability of structures, especially in an environment with fluctuating material costs.

“The rising challenges in our industry reflects a critical juncture where we must reaffirm our commitment not only to quality, but to the safety and integrity of the structures which we build.

“As we gather here, we are united in a common purpose, to mitigate the risks that contribute to building collapse, while promoting sustainable practices in construction.

“The statistics of building collapse are alarming. Building collapses not only lead to loss of lives, but also represent significant economic costs, community trauma, and a breach of the trust our society places on us as builders and enforcers of safety,’’ she said.

Mrs Abdul said that LSMTL was committed to playing a vital role in maintaining the quality of sandcrete blocks and promoting sustainable construction practices in Lagos State.

Sandcrete blocks are a type of building material made from a mixture of cement, sand, and water, commonly used in construction for building walls and partitions.

She explained that sandcrete blocks had played a crucial role in the structural integrity of buildings due to their affordability, availability and versatility.

She said that the quality of these blocks had directly influenced the safety and durability of building structures.

Mrs Abdul said, “ When we compromise on quality, whether due to the rush of production, substandard materials, or cost-cutting measures, the repercussions can be dire.

“The production of sandcrete blocks is heavily influenced by the cost of raw materials, labour, and logistics.

`In an environment characterised by fluctuating prices, it is easy to see how some producers may be tempted to prioritise cost over quality.

“Yet, it is precisely in these challenging times that we must reaffirm our commitment to maintaining and enhancing the quality of our products.’’

The GM outlined several strategies for maintaining the quality of construction materials, particularly in the face of fluctuating costs and availability.

She suggested strategies such as, looking for alternative materials that could meet quality standards without significantly increasing costs, investing in sustainable materials, and collaboration with local suppliers to reduce costs and improve access to materials.

Adesegun Banjoko, national president, National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON), called on LSMTL and other regulatory agencies, such as SON, to collaborate with the association to improve the quality of sandcrete blocks.

He expressed concern that the regulatory agencies might not have the necessary resources to adequately oversee and enforce quality standards.

Mr Banjoko said that the association, with its extensive reach across Nigeria, especially in Lagos State, was well-positioned to support regulatory efforts by identifying and overseeing block producers.

He said the association had issued digital ID cards to its members, which could be used to verify their legitimacy and identify quacks.

(NAN)