Ensuring Building Safety: The Role of Government and Communities

Viewers watched a frightening incident in a recent viral video published on social media by influencer Kwadwo Sheldon: the sudden collapse of a structure at an unnamed construction site in Ghana. This disturbing occurrence serves as an alarming warning of the catastrophic effects of building collapses. 

Herh! pic.twitter.com/yNFTAqxuXs

— Kwadwo Sheldon (@kwadwosheldon) September 23, 2023

Building collapses, a tragic occurrence, are frequently caused by a combination of triggers. The most serious of these are structural flaws and maintenance incompetence. Subpar design and building practices frequently result in structural problems. The use of inferior materials and shortcuts during the construction process might jeopardize a building’s structural stability significantly. The vulnerability is highlighted when external pressures such as extreme weather or earthquake activity are present.

Neglected maintenance worsens the situation. Wear and tear on crucial building components can weaken them significantly over time, making them prone to failure. Cracks, corrosion, and erosion are common hazards that go undiscovered until they reach a critical stage, posing a significant threat to the building’s general stability.

Governments are critical in preventing building collapses and protecting human lives. They can take a number of steps to properly solve this issue. To begin, they must set and strictly enforce tough building rules that outline specific construction standards, materials, and safety criteria. These codes should be updated on a regular basis to reflect changes in construction technology. Furthermore, governments should monitor construction sites and existing structures on a regular basis to ensure compliance with these building rules. Trained inspectors can spot instances of violation and take corrective action quickly when necessary. Public awareness campaigns are also important in teaching builders and property owners about the need for safe construction procedures and developing a safety culture within the construction sector.

Individuals, on the other hand, bear a great amount of responsibility in ensuring building safety. Quality should be prioritized over cost-cutting methods by builders and property owners. This entails using high-quality materials and employing competent personnel to reduce the likelihood of structural breakdowns. Building owners should undertake regular inspections to discover early indicators of wear and structural concerns. Timely repairs can help to avoid serious damage. Individuals must also disclose any noticed structural concerns or abnormalities to the appropriate authorities as soon as possible so that early intervention can effectively avert future disasters.

Instances, such as the Melcom Building collapse in Accra, Ghana, serve as strong reminders of the deadly repercussions of bad construction techniques. The main causes of this terrible catastrophe were structural flaws and inadequate maintenance, which resulted in the loss of both people and property.