Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State has called for legislation to regulate activities of workers in the construction and building industry.

Declaring open the 18th National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the National Union of Civil Engineering Construction, Furniture and Wood Workers (NUCECFWW) in Asaba, Governor Okowa observed that investments in the construction and building industry have been undermined by substandard jobs, unethical conduct and sharp practices.

“It is time to push for appropriate legislation that will regulate the training, licensing, hiring and compensation of workers in the construction and building industry; that is the way to fish out bad eggs, and enthrone standard and excellence in the industry because, the construction and building industry is so strategic that it cannot be left for every Tom, Dick and Harry.”

Okowa described the theme for the meeting, “Infrastructure and Policy Development: Panacea for Economic Growth,’ as apt, stating, “a good economy is built on the ability of the government to improve the welfare of the people by providing basic infrastructure, public amenities and social services.”

“The level of infrastructure in any society has a direct correlation with national development; it is a good indicator of its economic growth and, when the infrastructure is sophisticated in nature, it earns the country a respectable status in the comity of nations.”

While stating that his administration had urban renewal through massive infrastructure development as one of its cardinal programmes, Governor Okowa reiterated that for Nigeria to become a global economic force, it needs to demonstrate resolve and determination, at both federal and state levels to upgrade and modernise infrastructure.

“We must not just try to play catch-up with the developed economies of the world, but move at a faster pace than they are moving, because, they are not resting on their oars.”

Comrade Amechi Asugwuni, President General of NUCECFWW, in his address, decried the decay in infrastructure in the country noting that it has led to laying off of staff and called on the Federal Government to take urgent steps to address the situation, especially, in the area of electricity generation, construction of roads, industrialisation and diversification of the economy. (independentnig.com)

•Photo shows Governor Okowa.