Building Collapse: NSE, NIA urges Okorocha to enforce standard

www.odogwublog.com reports that the Nigerian Society of Engineers and Nigerian Institute of Architects have expressed worry over the incessant building collapse in Imo and insist that Gov. Rochas Okorochas should enforce standard in the building industry.
The professionals also call for integrity test to be conducted in all the building in the state suspected to be substandard in other to avoid future recurrence of incessant collapses.
Speaking on Monday during inspection of a two storey building which collapsed on Sunday and killed four occupants of the building in Imo along fire service area, sate Chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers Mr Emeka Ugoanyawu blame the collapse on use of quacks in building houses.
He also blamed state regulatory agencies and Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA) for failing to supervise contractors.
It would be recalled that a three storey building still under construction collapsed in Obinze Owerri West LGA in July 7, while another three storey building collapsed in Umuguma Owerri West LGA on July 8 respectively.
Also another ,a story building collapsed in Oforola Owerri West and killed three people in July 9, while a hotel still under construction collapsed in Airport road Owerri North in July 10.
But the NSE boss urged the governor to summon emergency meeting of building professionals and proposed adequate sanctions for failed contractors.
Also speaking, State Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Architects Mrs Ndidi Okoro said government has not lived up to its expectations by monitoring standard of building being erected in the state.
She insisted that every contractor must indicate through a visual sigh who the clients of every building are to enable government know who to hold responsible incase of failure.
Okoro also a Fellow of NIA said a preliminary investigation showed that the building collapsed due to substandard materials used for the building and engagement of non professionals.
“We have lost so many lives in less than three months because contractors have continued to compromise standard and government has failed to supervise them.
“We will soon come out with a stand to this whole problem as a group and we hope that government will implement our recommendations”, Okoro said.
Secretary Nigerian Institute of Builders in Imo Mr Anddy Osuagwu blame regulatory agencies and urged government employ more professional builders to enable regulatory agencies perform the duty effectively.
“OCDA does not have enough professionals, how can they do the job well.
“What we are suffering in the building industry today is quackery and until the problem is addressed, we will still be where we are”, he said.