Builders have attributed the rising hazards associated with Plaster of Paris installations to widespread incompetence and the absence of proper professional oversight in the construction industry.
In an exclusive interview with
The PUNCH
, the Chief Executive Officer of Space Button Architecture, Seyi Amusan, said the use of Plaster of Paris for the installation of suspended ceilings with high aesthetics in Nigeria was not a new development.
He said, “The materials for achieving this craft, such as P.O.P. cement, Filax or sisal fibre, binding wires, water, etc., are common in the Nigerian market and available to anyone who is interested in using them as an option for finishing their ceiling. However, the recent viral footage of a collapsed P.O.P ceiling, with its particles littering the whole living room, prompted me to have a short discussion with one of my P.O.P sub-contractors, Femi Akolade, and some of my views highlighted here are a result of this.
“In my conclusion, the possible cause of the P.O.P hazard on site could be categorised into two main arms. These would include incompetence and sabotage. Lack of experience on the part of the personnel directly involved with the installation work on site is a primary reason for most failed projects such as this.
If the skill level is not adequate to secure all possible loopholes in the P.O.P. installation process in this case, it could result in such an unfortunate situation as we see now. For example, in the case where the Filax or Sisal fibre used to suspend the already cast ceiling is not adequately spaced and of the right number, ideal to hold the entire ceiling span, it would result in a collapse. The lack of adequate supervision in such cases where an apprentice is asked to execute a project on site is also a factor. It is always necessary to have superior personnel supervising a less experienced one during the course of site works in order to secure an excellent job, which also builds courage and competence alongside the upcoming worker who is learning on the job.
“The issue of sabotage here is a category that leans so much on integrity. Ranging from the integrity of all the personnel involved in the contract and its execution to that of the site condition as a whole. In this light, it’s always important for the subcontractor who is expected to install the suspended ceiling works on site to be professional enough by giving the actual bill required to execute the project excellently without reducing the cost due to fear of losing the contract or not buying the complete materials he was paid for in order to secure unjust profit on site. The last part of sabotage due to site conditions would have to do with all conditions that directly affect the installation work. Such is the possibility of sources of water leakage on the roof structure above, unto which the P.O.P ceiling is attached. If there is a source of water leakage, it would weaken the said ceiling material and result in an eventual collapse of a part or the entire ceiling in the near future.”
In a similar vein, a builder, Awolusi Femi, said hazards linked to Plaster of Paris installations often stem from poor materials usage.
He said, “Hazards associated with Plaster of Paris installations are frequently caused by the use of substandard materials and poor workmanship. In many cases, unseasoned wood or an inadequate quantity of wood is used as a base, compromising the structural integrity of the design. Additionally, artisans may rush the job, failing to properly tie or nail the P.O.P. frames, leading to weak installations. The situation is worsened by a lack of supervision, as unsupervised workers often prioritise convenience over compliance with safety standards.
“To avoid these risks, property owners should entrust their P.O.P. works to certified professionals. Professionals not only have the technical expertise to ensure that quality materials are used, but they also provide proper oversight to guarantee that each stage of the installation is done to standard. This level of diligence helps prevent future hazards and promotes safer, more durable finishes.”
Nollywood actress and producer Bolaji Ogunmola recently shared an account of how she narrowly escaped death twice in the month of May.
Taking to Instagram, Ogunmola posted a collage of photos titled ‘May Dump’, where she revealed that she witnessed the sudden collapse of her living room’s Plaster of Paris ceiling.
Similarly, Nollywood actress Bibi Sonye also recently expressed frustration after the POP ceiling in her sitting room unexpectedly collapsed.
“Sigh – I’m tired! I’m so tired!!! Where do I start from again? I’m just a girl who tries her best! I hustle and keep my head down, but this is too much! Being on set the entire day, just to come home to this!?? What if I were home? What if I had guests? God, I praise you because I know you alone are in control. I am still this one girl in Lagos figuring it out. It is well,” she lamented.
Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Syndigate.info
).
