The Nigerian Senate has called for stiffer punishment for violation of construction and building codes in the country in a bid to contain the growing cases of collapsed buildings.
The Senate’s resolution was reached in Abuja as senators debated a matter of urgent public importance on the collapse of Saint Academy in Jos, Plateau State. The school, which collapsed on July 12, claimed the lives of 22 students and members of staff, while over 100 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Sen. Diket Plang who moved the motion, recalled how the sad incident altered the lives of many parents, families and the government of the state.
In their contributions to the motion, concerned lawmakers suggested drastic actions against building collapse.
In his remarks, President of the Senate Godswill Akpabio also condoled with the family of the deceased students and members of staff, government and people of Plateau over the collapse of Saint Academy building in Jos.
In addition to observing a minute’s silence in honour of the dead and lawmakers are urging the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to send relief to them, the Senate also called on Federal Government agencies to mobilize to Jos to offer medical care to the victims.
However Senate specifically recommended stiffer penalties for anyone involved in violating building regulations, urging the Plateau State Government to conduct a full investigation and bring to book, all those found culpable.