Ekiti Chief Judge hospitalised after court building collapsed
Ekiti State Chief Judge, Justice Oyewole Adeyeye, escaped death on Wednesday, when a section of the state high court complex collapsed on him while in the office.
Justice Adeyeye is said to be currently receiving medical attention at an undisclosed hospital in the state.
The incident reportedly happened around close of work on Wednesday. The judge was still in his chamber at the time of the collapse.
The incident may not be unconnected with structural deficit worsened by the torrential rainfall.
No life was lost during the collapse but the Chief Judge reportedly sustained serious injury as a section of the office collapsed on him.
It took serious efforts from workers before the judge was rescued from the rubble.
A visit to the Registrar office to get further details did not yield result as the registrar through a staff member asked journalists to return later.
Why buildings collapse in nigeria
Buildings in Nigeria can collapse due to a variety of factors, including:
Poor construction practices
In many cases, buildings in Nigeria are constructed using substandard materials and techniques. This can include the use of low-quality cement, inadequate reinforcement, and lack of proper supervision during construction. Poor workmanship and shortcuts taken during the construction process can weaken the structure, making it more prone to collapse.
Weak regulatory enforcement
In some cases, building codes and regulations may exist, but they are not effectively enforced. This can lead to buildings being constructed without proper oversight and inspections, allowing for substandard construction practices to go unchecked. Corruption and lack of accountability within the construction industry can contribute to this problem.
Overloading and structural flaws
Buildings may collapse if they are subjected to excessive loads that they were not designed to withstand. This can occur due to overcrowding, improper usage of the building, or the addition of extra floors or modifications that exceed the original design capacity. Structural flaws, such as inadequate foundations or insufficient structural support, can also contribute to the collapse of buildings.
Natural disasters
Nigeria is prone to natural disasters such as flooding and heavy rainfall. These events can put significant stress on buildings, particularly if they were not designed or constructed to withstand such forces. Poorly constructed buildings are more likely to fail during natural disasters, leading to collapse.
Urbanization and rapid growth
Nigeria has experienced rapid urbanization and population growth, leading to increased demand for housing and infrastructure. In some cases, this rapid expansion has outpaced the capacity of regulatory bodies to enforce building standards and ensure proper construction practices. As a result, many buildings are constructed without adequate planning and oversight, increasing the risk of collapse.
Solution
Addressing these issues requires a multi-faceted approach involving stronger enforcement of building regulations, improved construction practices, increased public awareness and education, and better urban planning and infrastructure development.
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