ENUGU, Nigeria (VOICE OF NAIJA)- The Imo State Government has blamed the deployment of non-professionals as one of the main causes of increase in building collapses in Nigeria.
The government made this known through the General Manager of OCDA, Engr. Francis Chukwu, Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA).
Chukwu made this known while delivering his address at the Nigeria Institute of Building, Imo State Chapter’s 4th Builders Workshop/Induction ceremony held at the institute’s Secretariat at new Owerri, Imo State capital.
The OCDA boss disclosed also that the agency set up a committee, in conjunction with Nigeria Institute of Building to look into the cases of building collapse in Imo State.
Chukwu said the findings of the committee revealed that most collapsed buildings were handled by quacks.
The General Manager advised developers to always engage the services of certified builders in order to avert any unpleasant consequences emanating from building collapse.
He commended the Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB) for holding the workshop and assured them of his authorities’ readiness to always synergize with NIOB.
In his address, the chairman, Nigeria Institute of Building, Imo State Chapter Builder, Dr. Andrew Osuagwu explained that the activities of NIOB, Imo State Chapter include collaborating with OCDA in development control, creating awareness amongst Imo People, Corporate Organization and Government Agencies in order to engage registered builders who are authorized by law to produce buildings.
Osuagwu called on the Imo State House of Assembly to domesticate the National Building codes in Imo State.
He also appealed to the State Governor, His Excellency, Hope Uzodimma to approve the creation of the Building Control Department in OCDA to be headed by a registered builder.