The Senate has called for stiffer punishment for violation of construction and building codes in the country in a bid to contain 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 12th July, claimed the lives of 22 students and members of staff, while over 100 others sustained varying degrees of injuries.
Senator Diket Plang who moved the Motion, recalled how the sad incident altered the lives of many parents, families, and the state’s government.
In their contributions to the motion, concerned lawmakers suggested drastic actions against building collapse.
In his remarks, President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Akpabio condoled with the family of the deceased students and members of staff, government, and people of Plateau over the collapse.
In addition to observing a minute of silence in honor of the deceased, lawmakers urged the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to dispatch relief aid and further called on federal government agencies to mobilize to Jos and provide medical assistance to the victims.
However, the 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.
