To address the frequent collapses, the Nigerian Institution of Structural Engineers (NistructE) has urged prosecution of promoters of failed buildings.
The president, Peter IgbiniJesu, who made the appeal yesterday, while addressing newsmen at the institution’s yearly conference scheduled for Lagos today, stressed that the problem of structural collapse would persist if the government does punish promoters for negligence.
He lamented that the menace has become a monster, leading to loss of lives and property.
Government, IgbiniJesu said, must go beyond mere confiscation of affected buildings to actual prosecution and jailing of identified culprits.
According to him, non-use of registered professionals has been the main reason behind the unsavoury incidents.
He said the two-day conference, with the theme: “Emerging Tasks for Structural Engineering Practice in Nigeria,” would serve as a platform for professionals in the built environment to share knowledge, insights and best practices in the ever-evolving domain of structural engineering.
The NistructE boss noted that the conference, to be declared open by Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, would foster collaboration, inspire new ideas and empower structural engineers to tackle the complex challenges, by sharing experiences and ensuring the safety and resilience of the nation’s built industry.
Also, immediate past president of the body, Dr. Kehinde Osifala, attributed the slow pace of judicial process to lack of prosecution of those responsible for the unwholesome development.
While lauding the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria’s (COREN) new law meant to address construction failures, prevent loss of life and property, he regretted that the rule does not make room for prosecution of culprits. Osifala canvassed synergy between structural engineers and relevant agencies of government for more positive result.
Source: The Guardian
