General News
A property expert, Mr Olumide Adewebi, has urged developers and contractors in Lagos to prepare properly for the rainy season to ensure buildings under construction remain safe and structurally sound.
Adewebi, Vice President, West African Region of the Commonwealth Association for Surveying and Land Economy and Chief Executive Officer of Geosys Nigeria, gave the advice in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), on Monday.
He spoke against the backdrop of concerns over the impact of the rainy season on construction activities, outlining measures developers and contractors should adopt to mitigate associated risks and ensure structural safety.
According to him, the rainy season presents significant challenges to buildings under construction in Lagos due to high rainfall intensity, waterlogged soils and, in some locations, poor drainage systems.
He said that, while attention was often focused on structural engineers and contractors, the importance of proper site investigation, surveying and planning could not be overstated.
“Every project should begin with detailed topographical and geotechnical investigations.
“Understanding the site’s elevations, drainage patterns, groundwater conditions and soil characteristics helps engineers design appropriate foundations and stormwater management systems,” he said.
Adewebi stressed the need for effective drainage management to prevent water accumulation around excavation pits, foundations and construction materials.
He urged contractors to provide both temporary and permanent drainage channels to divert runoff away from critical areas of construction sites.
The expert also highlighted the importance of protecting excavations and foundations during periods of heavy rainfall.
According to him, open excavations are particularly vulnerable and should be supported with dewatering systems and temporary retaining structures where necessary.
“Saturated soil can lose strength, leading to collapses and settlement if adequate precautions are not taken,” he said.
Adewebi further recommended regular surveying during construction to monitor settlement, movement of retaining structures and changes in site levels caused by erosion or flooding.
He said early detection of such issues would enable corrective action before they developed into serious structural problems.
The surveyor urged developers to take seasonal weather conditions into account, when planning projects.
He noted that critical activities such as foundation works, concrete placement and earthworks should be carefully scheduled to minimise exposure to prolonged rainfall.
He also emphasised the need for proper storage of construction materials, including cement, reinforcement steel, timber and blocks, to prevent moisture damage that could compromise structural integrity.
Adewebi called for the implementation of erosion-control measures such as sandbags, silt fences, retaining structures and vegetation cover on exposed slopes to reduce the impact of heavy rainfall.
He stressed the need for construction projects to be closely monitored by qualified professionals such as surveyors, engineers, architects and builders from start to finish to ensure the work was done safely and correctly.
“Many construction failures occur not because of rainfall itself, but because basic professional standards are ignored,” he said.
The expert also advised developers to adhere strictly to approved designs and building regulations, particularly regarding foundations, drainage systems and structural loading requirements.
He noted that rainy conditions increase the risk of slips, electrical hazards, excavation collapses and equipment-related accidents, making enhanced safety protocols essential on construction sites.
“Rainfall does not cause buildings to fail; rather, it exposes weaknesses in planning, design, construction and supervision.
“With proper site investigations, adequate drainage, professional oversight and adherence to engineering standards, buildings under construction can safely withstand the challenges of Lagos’ rainy season.
“The key is proactive risk management rather than reactive problem-solving after failures occur,” Adewebi said.
(NAN)
W.U
June 8, 2026.
Tags: Commonwealth Association for Surveying and Land Economy Geosys Nigeria Mr Olumide Adewebi