Anambra Housing Ministry, NSE Awka Branch Strengthen Partnership on Technical Development
By Ekweaga Uzoma
The Anambra State Ministry of Housing is set to deepen its collaboration with the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Awka Branch, to enhance technical expertise and promote sustainable development in the state’s building and construction sector. The commissioner for Housing, Arc. Arize Henry, disclosed this when members of the NSE, Awka Branch, paid him a courtesy visit in his office on Sept 6.
Arc. Arize said the Ministry remained open to partnerships with relevant professional bodies as part of efforts to improve the quality, safety and sustainability of construction projects across the state. He noted that he had maintained cordial professional relationships with some principal officers in the engineering sector and commended them for their competence, efficiency and professionalism.
The commissioner explained that the Ministry required the services of experienced structural engineers for some of its projects, adding that qualified professionals from the NSE could be engaged as consultants where necessary.
According to him, such collaboration would provide the ministry with access to specialised technical expertise while ensuring that construction projects were executed in line with professional standards, engineering principles and industry best practices.
Earlier, the Chairman of the NSE, Awka Branch, Engr. Obiudu Michael, said the delegation visited the Commissioner to felicitate with him on his appointment and explore areas of collaboration between the professional body and the Ministry. Engr. Obiudu described Arc. Arize as a “square peg in a square hole,” expressing confidence in his professional competence and ability to contribute significantly to the advancement of the housing sector in Anambra State.
He said the NSE comprised highly qualified professionals committed to contributing their expertise towards the development of the building and construction industry in the state. The NSE Chairman further disclosed that members of the association had been conducting research and exploring innovative approaches to help reduce the rising cost of building construction.
He expressed the readiness of the society to support initiatives that would promote affordable, safe and sustainable housing development in Anambra State. The visit featured the presentation of a plaque and construction-related kits to the commissioner by the NSE delegation.
