LASEMA Procures N25m Search, Rescue Tools

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, has procured modern urban search and rescue equipment worth over N25 million to rescue lives during disaster period.

The equipment will be needed in securing lives during building collapse, motor accident and any other forms of emergencies/disasters in Lagos State.

The equipment were unveiled at the weekend by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr. Wale Ahmed, at the government secretariat, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos, southwest Nigeria.

According to Ahmed, the equipment, like Delsa could be used to detect human being stuck under rubbles of collapsed building, while the Weber Hydraulics Power Unit could be used to remove victims from crushed vehicles during motor accident.

The commissioner stated that the government would continue to build the resilience and human capacity of its operation staff that would be engaged in the use of these equipment for efficient and minimum number of casualties and mortalities during disasters and emergencies.

“It is also pertinent to stress here that the state government will not take with levity house owners whose houses have been marked for demolition; contractors who fail to put in place standard safety measures during construction; construction engineers who fail to carry out proper soil test and also use substandard materials for construction. All these problems contribute to building collapse,” he warned.

General Manager/Chief Executive Officer, CEO, LASEMA, Dr. Femi Oke-Osanyintolu, described the procurement of the equipment as landmark and a demonstration of government’ commitment to the safety of lives and property of the citizens.

“Emergencies and disasters by nature are unforeseen and sudden and this explains why the blows inflicted by them are usually deadly and divesting. It is in line with this philosophy that the Babatunde Fashola administration has approved money for the procurement of this equipment for the agency to operate during emergencies,” he said.

Oke-Osanyintolu said the agency had performed well in this regard with the active collaboration of all stakeholders since its establishment, saying that its impact had been felt during incidents of flooding, collapsed building, fire outbreak and road accidents, among others.

The LASEMA boss assured that the agency would continue to extend the tentacles of emergencies preparedness, mitigation and response to all nooks and crannies of the state.