Builders Advised To Engage Professional Engineers To Avert Building Collapse
By Nneka Anoliefo
Builders have been enjoined to seek the services of professional Engineers when building to check the increasing rate of building collapse in the state and across the country.
Governor Charles Soludo of Anambra State gave the advice at a one-day Stakeholders Sensitization Workshop organized by Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria ( COREN), Anambra State Technical / Expatriate Monitoring Committee, held in Awka, the State Capital.
Governor Soludo, speaking on the theme, “Regulatory Obligation, Compliance and Enforcement of Codes and Standards; A Panacea for Sustainable Economic Development of Anambra State”, restated government readiness to support COREN to check incidences of building collapse in the state.
The Governor, represented by the Chief of Staff, Mr Ernest Ezeajuii, applauded professionals in the Engineering profession and further assured COREN of government collaboration in the fight against quackery and unprofessionalism in Engineering practices and general well being of Engineering personnel in the state.
The Head, Projects Implementation Department in COREN Office, Abuja, Engr Aminu Kangiwa, commended the State COREN Technical/ Expatriate Monitoring Committee for the achievements recorded in its first one hundred days in office.
He also commended them for living up to their responsibilities of sensitizing the public on COREN activities, regulating and monitoring of all Engineering practices to ensure conformity to Codes and Standards; as well as monitoring the registration and practice of Engineering personnel among others.
In a welcome address, The Chairman, COREN – ERN Technical)/ Expatriate Committee, Anambra State, Engr(Sir) Victor Meju, explained that the Workshop aimed at sensitizing the participants on the activities of COREN, its regulatory obligation, Compliance and Enforcement of codes and Standards for all practitioners and owners of Engineering industries, Companies and Engineering Services as provided, which will serve as refresher course for the purpose of continuous professional Development for participants and as well, help in showcasing innovation and Inventions of new ideas and technique.
Engr Sir Meju hinted that the Workshop would be an annual event for effective appraisal of all Engineering activities in the state.
The Resource persons include: Chairman/CEO, Anambra State Physical Planning Board, (ANSPPB) Mr Chike Maduekwe, who commended the COREN- ERM Chairman for articulating the boldness in organizing the workshop and also pledged to work with him.
Also present on the occasion was the MD/CEO, Anambra State Material Testing Lab, Engr Ebosie Ezeoke, who was the Guest Speaker on the topic: ”The relevance of Material Testing Lab in all Construction Industry.
Engr Paul Enidom, the Chairman/CEO of Paul B PLc, was the Special Guest and a lead paper presenter.
He x-rayed the importance of the workshop to the life of every Engineer, and urged the state government to partner with COREN for proper supervision of all road projects awarded under this administration.
Present also as Guest Speaker were: Arch Okey Ezeobi, the MD/CEO Anambra State, Bureau of Public Procurement, and Dr Eloka Akuagbazie PhD., Engr Ejike Mgbemene.
Former Federal Controller, Works, and other contractors like Julius Berger etc, the Traditional ruler of Awka, Obi Gibson Nwosu, and his cabinet Chiefs were also present at the event.
Exhibition of smart metering companies, Electronics development Institute (ELDI) etc, also featured at the event.
