Awesome Image
Awesome Image

3 March 2025

By : ARC-1 / V 3.68 / 0 Comments

Building collapses have become a worrying problem in parts of Africa, causing tragic loss of life, injuries, and economic setbacks. In countries like Nigeria, structural failures occur with alarming frequency – Nigeria ranks number one in Africa for the frequency and intensity of building collapses (Quantifying frequent building collapse and disaster risk reduction in Nigeria). Even in South Africa, where building regulations are stronger, there have been several high-profile collapses in recent years. Common factors such as poor construction practices, weak enforcement of building codes, and corruption often underlie these disasters. This report provides a comprehensive overview of building collapse incidents in Africa with a special focus on South Africa and Nigeria. It examines historical data and statistics, explores causes (from shoddy workmanship to regulatory failures), evaluates human and economic impacts, reviews government responses, highlights major case studies, and suggests recommendations to prevent future tragedies.

Historical Data and Statistics
Nigeria

Nigeria has experienced a high rate of building collapses over the past few decades. Studies indicate that between 1974 and 2019, over 221 buildings collapsed across various Nigerian cities (Quantifying frequent building collapse and disaster risk reduction in Nigeria). More than half of these collapses occurred in Lagos – the country’s economic hub – which saw 167 reported cases between 2000 and 2021 alone (Quantifying frequent building collapse and disaster risk reduction in Nigeria). The human toll has been devastating. Nigeria witnessed 1,595 deaths in 640 reported building collapse incidents from October 1974 to January 2025 (Articles by Josephine Ogundeji’s Profile | The Punch Journalist | Muck Rack). This implies an average of 2–3 collapses per year over five decades, but the collapse rate has accelerated in recent years. In fact, Nigeria recorded 199 building collapses just between 2010 and 2021, resulting in 1,072 deaths and 387 injuries in that period (Building Collapse: SON Spearheads With Mitigating Measures to Curb Trend – THISDAYLIVE) (Building Collapse: SON Spearheads With Mitigating Measures to Curb Trend – THISDAYLIVE). By another count, over 354 people died in 91 collapsed buildings in Lagos alone from 2012 to 2023 (Nigeria records 22 building collapses, 33 deaths in 7 months – COREN) (Nigeria records 22 building collapses, 33 deaths in 7 months – COREN). Major Nigerian cities like Lagos (which accounted for about 50% of cases in some studies (06-126-Ademola) (06-126-Ademola)) and Abuja are frequent sites of these disasters. With rapid urbanization and a population demand for housing, Nigeria’s building collapse trend has worsened over time, making it an outlier in Africa (Quantifying frequent building collapse and disaster risk reduction in Nigeria).

South Africa

Compared to Nigeria, South Africa has fewer building collapses, but it has not been immune to such incidents. Historically, collapses in South Africa have been sporadic rather than endemic. However, experts note that the frequency of building collapses in South Africa has been on the increase in recent years ([Solved] CONSTRUCTION PROJECT FAILURES Buildings through the ages have – Project Quality Management Processes – Studocu). Notably, several serious collapses have occurred since the 2010s, often during construction or renovation of structures. For example, on 19 November 2013, part of the Tongaat Mall under construction in KwaZulu-Natal collapsed, killing 2 workers and injuring 29 ([Solved] CONSTRUCTION PROJECT FAILURES Buildings through the ages have – Project Quality Management Processes – Studocu). The following year, on 18 August 2014, a luxury home under renovation in the Meyersdal Eco Estate (Johannesburg) collapsed, killing 7 people and injuring 9 ([Solved] CONSTRUCTION PROJECT FAILURES Buildings through the ages have – Project Quality Management Processes – Studocu) ([Solved] CONSTRUCTION PROJECT FAILURES Buildings through the ages have – Project Quality Management Processes – Studocu). In 2019, a structural walkway collapse at Hoërskool Driehoek (a school in Vanderbijlpark) tragically killed 4 students. More recently, May 2024 saw one of South Africa’s worst building disasters when a five-story building under construction collapsed in the city of George, Western Cape, with 33 construction workers killed (Death toll from South African building collapse rises to 33 | Reuters) (Rescue Workers Conclude Building Collapse Op in South Africa – allAfrica.com). While comprehensive national statistics are not as readily documented as in Nigeria, these incidents illustrate that structural collapses – though less frequent – are a serious concern in South Africa as well.

Causes of Building Collapses

Poor construction practices and weak regulation enforcement emerge as common threads in the causes of collapses across both Nigeria and South Africa. Investigations and expert analyses have identified multiple contributing factors:

In summary, most building collapses can be traced to preventable issues: building code violations, sub-par materials, incompetent contractors, and corruption. These factors often act together – for example, a corrupt approval process allowing a poorly designed, substandard building to be erected, which then fails under normal loads or minor environmental stress.

Impact on Human Lives and the Economy

The consequences of building collapses are profoundly tragic and costly. The human impact is first and foremost in lives lost and injuries sustained:

  • Loss of Life and Injuries: Each collapse incident can claim dozens or even over a hundred lives in a single blow. Nigeria has seen catastrophic events – for example, 115 people (mostly South African visitors) were killed in a single church guesthouse collapse in Lagos in 2014 (Synagogue Church building collapse – Wikipedia) (Synagogue Church building collapse – Wikipedia). More recently in 2021, the collapse of a 21-story high-rise in Ikoyi, Lagos killed at least 45 people and injured many others (Quantifying frequent building collapse and disaster risk reduction in Nigeria) (Quantifying frequent building collapse and disaster risk reduction in Nigeria). In South Africa, the worst recent incident in George (2024) killed 33 construction workers (Death toll from South African building collapse rises to 33 | Reuters), and other collapses have also led to multiple fatalities (7 killed in the 2014 Meyersdal collapse (Building collapse: Meyersdal Eco Estate tragedy update | Comaro Chronicle), 2 in Tongaat Mall, etc.). Beyond those killed, survivors often suffer serious injuries (crush injuries, disabilities) and psychological trauma from being trapped or losing colleagues and loved ones.
  • Displacement and Trauma: Building collapses displace occupants and families. In Nigeria, it’s estimated that over 6,000 households were displaced by collapses in Lagos from 2000–2021 (Quantifying frequent building collapse and disaster risk reduction in Nigeria). Families not only lose their homes but also their possessions and sense of security. Children who survive school building collapses, for instance, endure trauma and loss of classmates. The broader community also experiences fear and anxiety regarding the safety of other buildings.
  • Economic Losses: The economic impact of collapses is immense. Property and investment worth huge sums are destroyed in seconds. One analysis estimated that the string of collapses in Lagos over two decades resulted in about $3.2 trillion worth of property lost (Quantifying frequent building collapse and disaster risk reduction in Nigeria) (this figure likely refers to value in local currency, but it underscores the massive scale of losses). Developers and owners suffer financial ruin when projects worth millions collapse. For example, the unfinished building that collapsed in Onitsha (2024) represented a total loss of the investment put into those five storeys (Building Collapse: SON Spearheads With Mitigating Measures to Curb Trend – THISDAYLIVE). Additionally, there are costs associated with emergency response and cleanup. Governments deploy search-and-rescue teams, excavators, medical care, and sometimes compensatory payments to victims’ families – straining public resources.
  • Wider Economic Effects: Frequent building failures can also dampen investor confidence in the construction and real estate sector of a country. In Nigeria, the construction industry contributes significantly to GDP and employment; repeated collapse incidents can lead to public distrust in new projects, affect property values, and increase insurance premiums. Prospective homebuyers and tenants become wary of poorly built structures. In severe cases, collapses can interrupt business activities – for instance, if a commercial building collapses, the businesses housed there shut down, affecting livelihoods. There are also indirect costs like traffic disruptions and productivity loss when collapses happen in busy urban centers.
  • Social and Reputational Impact: High-profile collapses erode confidence in governance and regulation. Public outrage often follows, especially when evidence of negligence or corruption emerges. For example, revelations that officials were “compromised” in the Ikoyi building approval caused anger (Why 21-storey Ikoyi building collapsed – Coroner). In communities, there can be long-lasting grief and calls for justice after deadly incidents. In some cases, international relations are touched – the Synagogue Church collapse strained Nigeria–South Africa relations for a time due to the high number of South African victims.

In summary, the impact of building collapses extends far beyond the immediate scene. Human lives are irreplaceably lost, survivors endure lasting trauma, and significant economic value is destroyed. The pattern of collapses in Africa’s biggest economy (Nigeria) also highlights a development challenge – unsafe infrastructure can undermine growth and public trust. This makes it all the more critical to address the root causes and prevent future incidents.

Government Policies and Responses

African governments have recognized the gravity of building collapses and have taken various steps – albeit with mixed success – to prevent and respond to them. Below, we examine the policies and responses in Nigeria and South Africa:

Nigeria

The Nigerian government and professional bodies have launched numerous initiatives to combat the epidemic of building failures. Some key policies and responses include:

Despite these efforts, the effectiveness of Nigeria’s response is often questioned. Critics point out that regulations exist “only on paper” if not diligently enforced. For instance, virtually no month passes without a collapse somewhere in Nigeria despite all the agencies in place (Building Collapse: SON Spearheads With Mitigating Measures to Curb Trend – THISDAYLIVE). Going forward, Nigerian authorities are under pressure to translate inquiries and recommendations into concrete action – through stricter oversight, tougher sanctions for violators, and sustained public enlightenment on building safety.

South Africa

In South Africa, building regulation and oversight are relatively well-established, yet failures still occur due to specific lapses. The government’s policies and responses include:

  • National Building Regulations: South Africa’s National Building Regulations and Building Standards Act (Act 103 of 1977, as amended) provides the framework for safe building construction. It is supported by detailed codes (SANS standards) that specify structural requirements. Local municipalities are tasked with plan approvals and building inspections. Generally, any new construction or major alteration requires approval by municipal building control officers who check compliance with standards (e.g., adequate foundation, structural design signed off by an engineer). This system has kept collapse incidents relatively low, but problems arise when builders bypass the system, or when inspection capacity is lacking.
  • Construction Health and Safety Regulations: Given that many collapses happen during construction, occupational health and safety (OHS) laws play a role. The Construction Regulations under the OHS Act were updated in 2014 to tighten safety on construction sites. After the Tongaat Mall collapse (2013), the Department of Labour held a formal Commission of Inquiry. The inquiry found multiple violations: lack of proper supervision, deviations from approved plans, and ignoring a stop-work notice (Slide 1) (Slide 1). In response, the Labour Ministry indicated it would amend laws to make it harder for companies to flout rules (Slide 1). Indeed, amendments were pursued to increase penalties for OHS breaches and hold construction managers accountable. These regulations aim to ensure that temporary works (scaffolding, formwork) and structural changes are done safely to prevent site collapses.
  • Accountability and Legal Action: South African authorities do pursue legal action after collapses, though the process can be slow. For example, the Tongaat Mall Inquiry’s findings were forwarded to the National Prosecuting Authority in 2016 (Slide 1) (Slide 1), recommending charges against those responsible (the developer and engineers). In the Meyersdal collapse case, engineering professionals faced investigation by the Engineering Council of South Africa (ECSA) for possible negligence. ECSA, which regulates engineers, can strip professional registration for malpractice. Additionally, families of victims sometimes pursue civil lawsuits for damages, which puts financial pressure on builders to follow standards.
  • Emergency Response and Investigations: South Africa has well-trained urban search-and-rescue teams (for example, in Johannesburg and Western Cape) that respond to structural collapses. In the George disaster (2024), rescue operations continued for over a week, with teams working 24/7 for 260 hours to find survivors and recover bodies (Rescue Workers Conclude Building Collapse Op in South Africa – allAfrica.com). The incident was treated as a crime scene, and multiple investigations (by police, labor inspectors, and engineering forensic experts) were launched (South Africa ends rescue efforts at collapsed building and revises …) (South Africa ends rescue efforts at collapsed building and revises …). The government’s prompt high-level response – even the President visited the site (Rescue Workers Conclude Building Collapse Op in South Africa – allAfrica.com) – showed the seriousness with which such events are taken. Findings from these probes will likely inform future policy, such as stricter enforcement of contractor registration and oversight of structural designs.
  • Maintenance and Inspections of Existing Buildings: While most South African collapses have occurred during construction, there is growing attention to the maintenance of aging structures. For instance, after the collapse of a school walkway in 2019, the Gauteng provincial government ordered structural audits of older school buildings. Municipalities also have the power (and responsibility) to declare unstable buildings unsafe for occupancy – such as some dilapidated apartment blocks in city centers – though implementation is uneven. There have been calls to introduce mandatory periodic inspections for buildings older than a certain age, as a preventive measure.
  • Public Awareness and Industry Compliance: The South African construction industry, through bodies like the Master Builders Association, runs safety training and awareness programs. Following recent incidents, these associations have urged members to prioritize safety and compliance. The government sometimes issues public warnings, for example cautioning against hiring unregistered builders or urging developers to obtain proper permits. Compared to Nigeria, corruption is a less cited factor in South Africa, but there have been instances of bribery to ignore violations. The government’s response is to tighten transparency – e.g., electronic permitting systems to reduce human discretion, and community reporting channels to whistleblow unsafe constructions.

In summary, South Africa relies on a framework of strict building standards and post-incident accountability. When failures do happen, they often expose gaps (such as an overwhelmed inspectorate or negligent professional) that authorities then seek to address via policy tweaks or enforcement drives. The overall approach is proactive but must continuously adapt as new lessons are learned from each collapse.

Case Studies of Major Collapses

In South Africa, building regulation and oversight are relatively well-established, yet failures still occur due to specific lapses.

To illustrate the problem, here are case studies of significant building collapse incidents in South Africa and Nigeria, highlighting their causes and consequences:

Nigeria – Major Incidents

In South Africa, building regulation and oversight are relatively well-established, yet failures still occur due to specific lapses. The government’s policies and responses include:

  • Synagogue Church Guesthouse Collapse (Lagos, 2014): On 12 September 2014, a multi-story guesthouse at the Synagogue Church of All Nations suddenly collapsed, killing 115 people (116 in some reports) (Synagogue Church building collapse – Wikipedia) (Synagogue Church building collapse – Wikipedia). It is one of the deadliest collapses in Africa’s history. Among the victims were 84 South Africans who were visiting the church (Synagogue Church building collapse – Wikipedia). An official investigation found the building had additional floors added without proper foundation reinforcement. The Lagos State government stated the church did not have approval for the structure (Synagogue Church building collapse – Wikipedia). The tragedy was attributed to structural design deficiencies and poor construction – for example, using inadequate materials for the extra floors. There were also controversial claims by the church of a mysterious aircraft influence, but these were dismissed by experts. The incident prompted Nigerian authorities to enforce stricter checks on church and school buildings, and it strained diplomatic relations as South Africa demanded accountability (Bodies of South Africans Killed in Nigeria Church Collapse Flown …) (Bodies of South Africans Killed in Nigeria Church Collapse Flown …). Years later, courts in Lagos pursued charges against the engineers involved, underscoring the push for accountability.
  • Ikoyi High-Rise Collapse (Lagos, 2021): On 1 November 2021, a 21-storey luxury condominium tower under construction on Gerrard Road in Ikoyi, Lagos, crumbled to the ground. At least 42–45 people were killed (including the developer) and dozens injured or trapped (Quantifying frequent building collapse and disaster risk reduction in Nigeria) (2021 Lagos high-rise collapse – Wikipedia). This high-profile disaster shocked the nation, as the building was part of a flagship upscale project. Investigations revealed a cascade of failures: the project had a history of regulatory lapses, with reports that construction exceeded the approved number of floors and that the supervising engineers had withdrawn over concerns of quality (Why 21-storey Ikoyi building collapsed – Coroner). A coroner’s inquest in 2022 concluded that negligence by the regulatory agencies and “compromise” in oversight contributed to the collapse (Why 21-storey Ikoyi building collapsed – Coroner). Essentially, warnings were ignored and the structure was not built to requisite standards for its height. The government responded by suspending the chief building official of Lagos and setting up a panel, which recommended reforms including peer-review of structural designs for high-rises. The Ikoyi collapse has since become a case study in how urban development boom, if poorly managed, can lead to tragedy. It has led to calls in Nigeria for stricter engineering vetting for high-rise projects.
  • Uyo Church Roof Collapse (Akwa Ibom, 2016): While Lagos sees many incidents, other parts of Nigeria have had disasters too. In December 2016, during a church service in Uyo, the metal roof of the Reigners Bible Church (which was still under construction) collapsed on a large congregation. The collapse killed over 100 worshippers (some sources say up to 160) and injured many (More than 100 killed in church collapse in Nigeria -journalist, resident). Investigations pointed to hasty construction and disregard of building processes – the church was reportedly rushed to open and structural supports were inadequate. The state government instituted a commission of inquiry. This case underscores that the issue of collapses is nationwide, not just in Lagos, often involving public assembly buildings where mass casualties occur when failures happen.
  • Itafaji School Building Collapse (Lagos, 2019): In March 2019, a three-story residential building that housed a primary school on the top floor collapsed in the Ita-Faji area of Lagos Island. The disaster occurred on a school day, killing at least 20 people, including several children, and injuring dozens. The building was old and dilapidated; in fact, it had been marked for demolition by authorities due to safety concerns (06-126-Ademola) (06-126-Ademola). However, continued habitation was allowed, illustrating regulatory inertia. The collapse highlighted the danger of ignoring evacuation and demolition orders. In its aftermath, Lagos commenced demolition of other high-risk structures in the area. This case is often cited in Nigeria as a wake-up call to relocate occupants from unsafe buildings before they fail.

(These are just a few examples; Nigeria has witnessed many more collapses, including apartment blocks, markets, and office buildings across various states. Common to these cases are themes of non-compliance with building standards and delayed enforcement of regulations.)

South Africa – Major Incidents

In South Africa, building regulation and oversight are relatively well-established, yet failures still occur due to specific lapses. The government’s policies and responses include:

  • Tongaat Mall Collapse (KwaZulu-Natal, 2013): In November 2013, a section of the Tongaat shopping mall (under construction near Durban) collapsed when a half-built concrete floor slab gave way, crushing workers beneath it. Two people were killed and 29 injured ([Solved] CONSTRUCTION PROJECT FAILURES Buildings through the ages have – Project Quality Management Processes – Studocu). Investigations uncovered startling irregularities: the construction was proceeding without proper municipal approval (plans had been rejected) and a government inspector had issued a stop-work order weeks prior due to safety violations (Slide 1) (Slide 1). That notice was ignored by the developer, who continued work until the fatal collapse. The subsequent inquiry cited “shoddy construction work” as the cause (Dispute over incomplete Tongaat mall – The Witness) – formwork (temporary support) was removed too soon and the concrete was not fully set (Slide 1). The Tongaat collapse prompted changes in oversight: the Department of Labour increased site inspections, and the case was used to strengthen the 2014 Construction Regulations to prevent contractors from breaching safety rules so blatantly. It also led to civil suits and a protracted legal battle against the mall owner and contractor, serving as a cautionary tale about the consequences of disregarding building laws.
  • Meyersdal Structural Collapse (Gauteng, 2014): In August 2014, during a renovation project at an upscale home in the Meyersdal Eco Estate, Johannesburg, a large portion of the house collapsed. Seven construction workers died when a concrete slab (floor/roof) fell and trapped them (Building collapse: Meyersdal Eco Estate tragedy update | Comaro Chronicle). Investigations indicated that two load-bearing columns had been removed as part of remodeling, without proper temporary supports (Building collapse: Meyersdal Eco Estate tragedy update | Comaro Chronicle). The removal of these pillars caused the upper structure to become unstable and collapse. This incident underscores the dangers of altering structures without engineering oversight. In response, the Engineering Council and local authorities looked into whether the renovation had necessary permits and engineering involvement. It reinforced the need for professional engineers to be engaged in any significant structural changes to existing buildings. The tragedy also raised awareness that even in affluent areas with generally good construction, mistakes or rule-bending during alterations can be deadly.
  • George Building Collapse (Western Cape, 2024): On May 6, 2024, a five-story apartment building under construction in George (a city in the Western Cape) suffered a catastrophic collapse. It is one of South Africa’s worst construction disasters: 33 workers were confirmed dead and about 10 others injured (Death toll from South African building collapse rises to 33 | Reuters) (Rescue Workers Conclude Building Collapse Op in South Africa – allAfrica.com). Dozens were trapped in the rubble for days. Rescue efforts were extensive, and it took over a week to conclude the search. The cause was under investigation at the time, but early scrutiny fell on the construction practices – the consulting engineer on the project was revealed to have faced a prior disciplinary probe (Rescue Workers Conclude Building Collapse Op in South Africa – allAfrica.com), raising questions about competency. Possible factors discussed in media include inadequate concrete strength or foundation issues, but official reports are pending. The George collapse prompted national attention; the Department of Labour, Engineering Council, and even the President got involved in overseeing the response. This incident may lead to national reviews of how construction professionals are vetted and how sites are monitored, especially in smaller cities. It also highlighted the vulnerability of migrant workers (many victims were immigrants from elsewhere in Africa) and the need for enforceable safety culture on all construction sites.
  • Other Notable Incidents: South Africa has had other structural failures worth noting. In 2019, the collapse of a church roof in Dlangubo, KZN during a storm killed 13 worshippers – investigations found the brickwork and roof anchoring were substandard for the weather conditions. In 2018, a section of the Charlotte Maxeke Hospital roof in Johannesburg collapsed (with no fatalities), leading to urgent repairs and inspections of hospital infrastructure. These cases have collectively pushed authorities to be vigilant about both construction-phase risks and the maintenance of aging public buildings.

Each of these case studies reinforces key lessons. In Nigeria’s cases, unregulated expansion and neglect of warnings were fatal. In South Africa’s cases, either ignoring stop orders or removing structural elements without care led to disaster. The common denominator is that adherence to sound engineering principles and regulations could have averted all these tragedies. These incidents spurred various remedial actions, but the ultimate goal is to prevent such events from occurring in the first place.

Recommendations for Preventing Future Incidents

In South Africa, building regulation and oversight are relatively well-established, yet failures still occur due to specific lapses. The government’s policies and responses include:

Preventing building collapses requires a multi-pronged approach addressing technical, regulatory, and societal factors. Based on the causes analyzed and past experiences in Nigeria, South Africa, and elsewhere, the following recommendations are proposed:

  • Strengthen Enforcement of Building Codes: Having regulations on paper is not enough – authorities must actively enforce them. Regular inspections at construction sites should be mandatory at critical stages (foundation, structural frame, etc.). Governments should ensure that local building control offices are well-staffed with qualified inspectors and empowered to issue stop-work orders and have them respected. In Nigeria, this could mean bolstering state building control agencies like LASBCA with more personnel and logistics, and in South Africa, ensuring municipal inspectors cover even private estates and remote projects. Additionally, surprise spot-checks can keep builders alert. Where violations are found, authorities must impose penalties (fines, project shutdowns) swiftly to deter others (Building Collapse: SON Spearheads With Mitigating Measures to Curb Trend – THISDAYLIVE).
  • Improve Professional Accountability: Engineers, architects, and builders involved in a collapse should face professional consequences. Engineering and building councils should investigate every major collapse, and if malpractice is confirmed, revoke licenses or certifications. This creates accountability and signals a zero-tolerance policy for negligence. Also, consider requiring independent peer review of structural designs for large or unusual buildings (as was recommended post-Ikoyi collapse) to catch errors or corner-cutting before construction. Both Nigeria and South Africa can make it obligatory that only licensed professionals oversee construction – untrained “quacks” should be barred. A system of certifying buildings at completion by a registered structural engineer can also ensure someone signs off on safety.
  • Tackle Corruption and Approvals Process: Streamline and make transparent the building approval process to reduce opportunities for bribery. Using digital plan submissions and approvals can help create an audit trail. Officials who are caught colluding with developers to bypass regulations should be prosecuted as a warning. Whistleblower channels could be established so that honest officers or the public can report unethical practices (for example, if they observe an unsafe building going up). Community monitoring can supplement official efforts – residents can alert authorities to suspect constructions, as an empowered Building Collapse Prevention Guild does in Nigeria. Moreover, ensure that permits explicitly state the approved limits (height, usage) and that any changes to plans get fresh approval. This prevents situations like adding extra floors illegally (Building Collapse: SON Spearheads With Mitigating Measures to Curb Trend – THISDAYLIVE).
  • Ensure Quality of Materials: Authorities should enforce standards on building materials. This can include certification and testing of steel rebar, cement, blocks, etc., especially in Nigeria where counterfeit or low-grade materials are a problem. Initiatives like SON’s partnership with block makers (Building Collapse: SON Spearheads With Mitigating Measures to Curb Trend – THISDAYLIVE) should be expanded nationwide and in South Africa’s informal building material markets. Random sampling and testing of materials at sites can be instituted – if a batch fails quality tests (e.g., substandard strength), work should stop and materials be replaced. Encouraging builders to use reputable suppliers and perhaps creating a registry of certified materials suppliers can also help.
  • Mandatory Structural Integrity Assessments: For existing old buildings or those altered from original plans, require periodic structural health checks. Local governments can mandate that buildings over a certain age (say 30 years) or of certain critical use (schools, hospitals, high-rises) undergo an inspection by qualified structural engineers every few years. Any signs of distress (cracks, deflection, foundation settling) should lead to repair or evacuation. This could have prevented incidents like the Lagos Ita-Faji school collapse where an old building was known to be in disrepair. Similarly, before a building is repurposed or additional floors added, an expert assessment must certify that the structure can handle it.
  • Public Education and Stakeholder Collaboration: Educating all stakeholders – from workers to residents – is vital. Construction workers should be trained to understand safety practices (for instance, not removing supports too early, as happened in Tongaat). The general public should be made aware of the dangers of living or working in visibly unsafe structures, so they can pressure landlords or authorities to act. In disaster-prone communities, people should know early warning signs of structural problems (like deep cracks, tilting). Governments and professional bodies ought to continue awareness campaigns (as SON is doing in Nigeria (Building Collapse: SON Spearheads With Mitigating Measures to Curb Trend – THISDAYLIVE)) about building safety. Collaboration between engineers, builders, and government in forums can also allow sharing of best practices and technologies for safer construction. A culture of safety must permeate the construction industry.
  • Emergency Preparedness and Response: While prevention is the priority, being ready for emergencies saves lives when collapses do occur. Both countries should invest in well-equipped urban search and rescue teams in all major cities. Conducting drills for collapse scenarios, training firefighters and civil defense in breaching collapsed structures, and equipping them with modern tools (cranes, cutting equipment, sensors to detect life under rubble) is crucial. Quick response can reduce fatalities by rescuing survivors in the “golden hours” after a collapse. As seen in South Africa and Nigeria, effective response also involves coordination (medical services, disaster management, etc.) and having plans to shelter and support survivors and families after the incident.
  • Political Will and Continuous Oversight: Finally, strong political will is needed to implement these measures consistently. Leaders must prioritize safe infrastructure as part of public safety. This could mean dedicating budget for more building inspectors, not interfering with enforcement actions even when powerful developers are involved, and treating every collapse as a serious failure that warrants investigation and remedy. In Nigeria, where the scale is larger, a coordinated national strategy (perhaps a task force bringing together COREN, SON, state governments, and BCPG) could drive reforms and track progress. In South Africa, ensuring that recommendations from inquiries (like those from Tongaat or George investigations) are acted upon by the relevant departments will be key to preventing history from repeating.

By adopting and rigorously enforcing such measures, the incidence of building collapses can be significantly reduced. The technology and knowledge to construct safe buildings are well-established – the challenge is largely governance and compliance. Both Nigeria and South Africa have the institutional frameworks to improve building safety; with concerted effort, they can save lives, protect investments, and restore public confidence in the built environment.

Conclusion

In South Africa, building regulation and oversight are relatively well-established, yet failures still occur due to specific lapses. The government’s policies and responses include:

Building collapses in Africa – especially in Nigeria and, to a lesser extent, South Africa – remain a pressing safety concern that undermines development gains. Historical data shows an unacceptable number of tragedies, most of them preventable. The causes are well-understood: substandard construction, inadequate oversight, and corruption form a lethal combination that must be broken. The human and economic costs of inaction are high, as seen in the loss of lives, destruction of property, and public outrage following each incident. Governments in both countries have responded with laws, regulations, and inquiries, but the effectiveness of these measures hinges on implementation. The case studies of major collapses serve as somber reminders of what is at stake when warning signs go unheeded. Going forward, a proactive approach involving stricter enforcement, professional accountability, quality control, and public engagement is essential. With strong political will and collaboration among all stakeholders in the construction process, future building collapses can be averted. The safety of citizens and the resilience of cities depend on learning these hard lessons and ensuring that buildings – fundamental units of shelter and commerce – remain secure and upright, rather than potential death traps.

Sources:

Go To Top