The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Umuahia branch, says it is poised to check the ugly incidences of building collapse in the Abia State capital territory in collaboration with other stakeholders.

The newly inaugurated chairman of the branch, Engr. Victor Ejikeme Ihediwa, who made the pledge at the just concluded 3rd Engineering week of the group, noted that this proactive measure would help put an end to incidences of building collapse and failure of other engineering works and save huge resources for government.

The theme of the event held at the College of Natural Sciences, Umudike, was ‘Positioning Engineering Practice in Nigeria for Sustainable Economic Development’, which Ihediwa said would spur his administration to realise the it has set for the branch in addressing society’s concern about incessant collapse of buildings and other engineering projects.

“The new executive committee will set up measures in collaboration with the State Development Agencies, namely Umuahia Capital Development Agency, Project Implementation Unit and other relevant ministries to get involved in the certification of engineering designs, monitoring and supervision of engineering projects,” he said.

Ihediwa pointed out that this joint effort would greatly assist in arresting incidences of failed structures and avoid huge loss of government's resources.

Furthermore, Ihediwa promised that Umuahia NSE branch would give necessary backing to the newly inaugurated Engineering Regulation and Monitoring Inspectorate (ERMI), saying that the success of EMRI would usher in a new lease of life for engineering practice in Nigeria.

He, however, appealed to the Abia State Government to relocate the State Ministry of Works as its present accommodation failed “to provide for the usual relevant facilities which characterises the Ministry of Works, arguing that this may hamper effective professional practice of the ministry’s engineering personnel.

“We are advocating for the appointment of engineering personnel to head the core engineering ministries and agencies, such as Ministry of Works, Ministry of Public Utilities, Ministry of Housing, etc. It will give the engineers the opportunity to use their wealth of knowledge to to bring about growth in the state's developing economy,” he added.

Presenting a lead paper on the theme of the Week, Engr. Chris Chukwurah called on engineers to use their brains and hands entrepreneurially by combining know-how with do-how, adding that engineering practice should also adopt the major pillars of vision 20-20-20 and the new UN sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG).

He cautioned against unethical commercialisation of engineering practice, stressing that such actions should be done in line with approved rewards, while charging engineers to be politically literate, show leadership and sensitivity to environmental issues, to continually develop themselves professionally.

Chukwurah further enjoined his colleagues to always update their environmental watch and be change agents rather than being passive observers in the affairs of their communities.

In appreciation of the state governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, for his development strides, particularly in the area of execution of engineering projects within his first 100 days in office and honoured him with the award of excellence for his exemplary leadership in Engineering Project Development.

Others honoured during the event include: the Medical Director of Federal Medical Centre, Umuahia, Dr Abali Chuku (Meritorious Award of Excellence in Human Capacity Building); Engr. Chris Chukwurah (Meritorious Award of Excellence in Human Capacity Development in Engineering); Engr. Adekunle Mokuolu (Meritorious Award of Excellence in Human Capacity Development and Support for Engineering Excellence); PUMECO Industries Nig. Ltd (Meritorious Award of Excellence in Engineering Services Delivery and Local Content Development) and MUNAC Design Limited (Meritorious Award of Excellence in Engineering Services Delivery and Local Content Development).

The event was drawn to a close with a thanksgiving/dedication service at St. Stephen Cathedral, Anglican Church, Umuahia.

•Photo shows collapsed building.