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The Department of Architecture and Built Environment has hosted a timely lecture by Ing. Paul Fornah on the growing concern of progressive collapse of structures in Sierra Leone, drawing participation from students, faculty, and industry professionals.
Ing. Fornah examined the technical causes, human factors, and practical solutions needed to address structural failures, stressing that such incidents should not be treated as isolated engineering issues but as serious public safety concerns requiring urgent and coordinated action.
He urged young professionals to challenge unsafe construction practices and insist on proper professional oversight in all building projects, noting that adherence to engineering standards is critical to protecting lives and strengthening the country’s built environment.
The lecture featured an interactive question-and-answer session, during which students raised concerns about existing construction norms and explored practical, locally applicable solutions to improve building safety.
Participants described the session as highly engaging, with the discussion highlighting the need for stronger regulatory enforcement, technical discipline, and civic responsibility in the construction sector.
Ing. Fornah emphasized that preventing progressive collapse requires a combination of technical rigor, regulatory commitment, and public awareness, encouraging students and young professionals to advocate for safer construction practices and higher industry standards.
