The president of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Lagos chapter, Lekan Akinwumi, has commiserated with the family of Dr Vwaere Daiso, the victim of the lift accident that occurred at the House Officers Quarters of the General Hospital Odan, Lagos Island.
According to the IFMA president, “We all wish the accident never happened as it has claimed the life of a promising doctor who is committed and dedicated to saving the lives of others at this point in time when medical professionals are fleeing the country in droves.
“On behalf of the association, we offer our deepest condolences to the family of the deceased even as our thoughts and prayers are with them during this trying time.
“It is quite sad and unfortunate that the accident happened at a time when facility management is taking its rightful place in the scheme of things in Nigeria, and there is a total overhaul of how facilities are managed in the public sector, especially.”
The president noted that the accident should be critically assessed and thorough investigation should be carried out by relevant agencies on the root cause of the failure of the lift. He also reiterated the commendable efforts of the Lagos State government through her agency, Lagos State Infrastructure and Asset Management Agency (LASIAMA), under the leadership of Ms. Adenike Adekanbi. The commendation is against the fact that Lagos State and one other state has an agency for the management of public facilities. Infact Lagos also enjoys the pioneering status.
Beyond the fact that the lift was installed in 2021 and the provision of required post installation management of same, the agency has equally transformed the management of designated public facilities in the state through effective and sustainable management of those facilities. The leadership of the agency has indeed changed the narrative of management and maintenance of public facility in Lagos State through strategic collaboration with profession bodies and also provided the direction for the federal government to follow.
He urged the investigative panel to speedily conclude their investigation as the accident could have been caused by an electrical or a mechanical fault.
“The facility management company is responsible for inspecting the lift regularly and ensuring it is in safe working condition. However, if the lift was properly installed and maintained, a forensic investigation should be undertaken to uncover the cause of this unfortunate accident.”
Ultimately, without preempting the outcome of such an investigation, the root cause of the lift accident needs to be thoroughly examined with pieces of evidence such as the condition of the lift, the maintenance records, and the testimony of witnesses.
