How to identify substandard buildings in Nigeria

In the past few days, the Nigeria cyberspace and media has been filled with different news especially two cases of collapsed buildings one in Itafaji area of Lagos State and the other at Molete area of Ibadan. These two incidences had raised so many concerns about the structures and strengths of the buildings we have these days across Nigeria. This also has brought us to enlighten people about substandard buildings and how to identify them and the possible solutions to stop future occurrences.

A Substandard building is not just a house that is old or outdated. It is a building that constitutes a high risk to the health and physical well-being of its occupants, neighbors and visitors.

A substandard building brings increased risk of disease and decreased mental health to the families and individuals who live there.

Substandard building conditions most frequently include holes, cracks, peeling paint, leaking roofs and broken basic systems like heating.

Often times physical deterioration is a contributing factor to substandard building. A house might, for example, need a new roof. When it rains, the roof might cave in or leak, causing the house to flood or the residents to suffer an injury. This, in turn, creates further hazards if the house floods. Some cases of substandard buildings are not so visible. Outdated or dangerous electrical systems, rusting or loose pipes and gas leaks can all pose significant safety hazards that might go unnoticed until an accident happens. The issue of asbestos is also hard to detect which greatly contribute to the safety of a home.

It is well advisable that we should never ignore problems we know about. If you suspect there is an issue you can’t see, have an expert come around to inspect the property.

To curb the incessant issues of building collapse in the country, there should be strict laws that should require landlords to keep their properties in safe, habitable condition and to abide with building laws.

Renters whose homes are in dilapidation should contact their landlords in writing or one on one. And if your landlord fails to provide the repairs within a reasonable time frame, It is advisable to take the bull by the horn.