…to tackle quackery in construction industry — Group.
Following the problems of substandard construction works in Nigeria, the Nigerian Mining and Geosciences Society (NMGS) on Friday urged the incoming administration to take concrete steps to reduce quackery in the construction industry to the barest minimum.
The President of NMGS, Prof. Akinade Olatunji, said this while interacting with newsmen on agenda setting for incoming governments in Abuja.
Olatunji said sharp practices as reflected in shoddy execution of projects, poor project and delivery had led to loss of scarce resources and lives.
“All activities in the sector that have to do with sub-soil investigation for geo-technical properties to determine the type of foundations to be put in place are the work of our members who are engineering geologists.
“Anyone that is not properly trained in this field cannot deliver the job. Most of the failed roads that we see all over the country are because of non-consultation with the engineering geologists.
“Some of the collapsed buildings that have been the lots of cities is because of non-utilisation of the appropriate professionals in the investigation of the sub-surface materials.
“We recommend that every state of the country and the Ministry of Work have a dedicated department to provide geo-technical information on sub surface materials before any construction is undertaken,’’ he said.
Olayunji said the aim was to achieve the best global practice in the industry, adding that the NMGS would continue to engage the government at all levels.
He urged the incoming administration to pay special attention to such areas as the Ajaokuta Steel Company, oil and gas, environment and water sectors.
Olayunji called for a policy that would govern hydro-geophysics-related sectors.
“There is no coherent national policy that governs the water, environment, and the construction sectors.
“The need for a clear and coherent national policy for the sectors cannot be over-emphasised,’’ he said.
He said it was imperative for the incoming administration to recognise the role of NMGS in the Oil and Gas sector.
“The NMGS is ready and willing to work with all stakeholders to ensure that all hands are on the deck and the plough to ensure that we achieve continued progress.
“As professionals, we are ready to work and advise whoever needs advice in these sectors”, he said.
(NAN)