Builders call for the elimination of quacks
By Samuel Onyebuenyi
The Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) has called on the general public to help it checkmate the activities of quacks in the profession in order to reduce or possibly eliminate building failures and collapse.
The call was made at a one-day stakeholders' forum of the body tagged “professional builders and construction stakeholders interactive forum” at L A. King multipurpose hall along Stadium road in Port Harcourt.
In his speech, the Chairman of Nigerian Institute, Rivers/Bayelsa States chapter, Elder Eme Isaiah observed that a lot was happening in the building industry not in Rivers State alone but Nigeria and the world, stressing that it was what informed the gathering.
He said the programme was put together to bring the cream of practitioners and stakeholders in the industry to rub minds cross fertilize their knowledge towards moving the body forward.
He said the adoption of the national building code by the Federal Government was a welcome idea, which has permanently put to rest the issue of role delineation for professionals in the industry, stressing that the issue of who does what has been clearly defined in the code.
According to him, the gathering would propel them to greater professionalism and for the protection of lives and property.
One of the resource persons, Bldr. Micah E. Obiegbu who lectured on the “unique role of professional builder in the society” said, the building industry in Nigeria has not operated professionally for the benefit of the citizens as there were still some missing link while clients were yet to be satisfied with the product of the industry, due to the missing link.
Bldr. Obiegbu who is also the Vice Chairman, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria maintained that confidence to be restored, the industry must respond to clients' requirements effectively and efficiently by providing buildings that meet the client's genuine needs.
He advised the body to ensure that proper methods and sequence of installation are followed.
Other resource persons include, Bldr. Kenneth Nnabuife Nduka who delivered paper on “building collapse perspectives, the imperative of engaging professional builders”, and Bldr. Eme J. Isaiah, director, planning/research and statistics, ministry of housing, Rivers State, who lectured on the national building code, an overview”.
The occasion saw the award of excellent on some members of the association who had contributed to the enlistment of the association.
They include Bldr. Ugo A. Ohuabunwa, Arch Harcourt Adukeh and Ken Nduka.
