Prof. Jurbe Molwus of the Department of Building, Faculty of Environmental Sciences, University of Jos, has attributed the incessant building collapse in the country to poor building designs, quality control and quackery.
Molwus said this while delivering the 110th Inaugural Lecture Series of the university on Wednesday in Jos.
The inaugural lecture had the theme “Curbing Building Collapse and Sick Building Syndrome: The Nexus Between Structures and the Production Management”
“Design issues have significantly reduced with the preponderance of different software that support the professionals, however, cases of human errors and outright compromise still exist
“It is not surprising to find that some professionals go ahead to design buildings without visiting the sites to understand the topography and obtain other key information about the area.
“Quality control takes care of materials procurement and treatment, assembly process, required tests, the accredited laboratory, curing of concrete, dampness prevention, among others
“The industry is becoming an all commers’ affairs in which uniformed opinions replace science, technology and logic; this situation is compounded by failure of enforcement by the regulatory authorities.
“This leads to bad decisions and wrong choice of materials, faulty production, bad workmanship and installations,”Molwus said
Molwus, the Chairperson of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) of the institution, also said that poor regulation, procurement process and rivalry among professionals, contributes to the constant building collapse in the nation.
He added that corruption and lack of transparency had created room for incompetent contractors to handle projects, hence giving room for deep compromise in the quality of buildings.
“Procurement and enforcement concerns arising from the lack of regulatory framework have led to unstable and sick buildings in the nation.
“A situation where some professionals perform the roles of others is definitely a recipe for disaster.
“There is room for every professional whose roles have been clearly defined in building code 2006,”he said.
The inaugural lecturer, however, called on the federal government to ensure the implementation of Nigerian building code, adding that room should be created for states to accommodate perculaities.
He also called on the government to develop a home grown development control and building codes toward ensuring full compliance that permits professional to play their roles.
Molwus called for continuous research by experts, particularly the academia toward addressing the menace of building collapse in the nation.
Earlier, Prof. Tanko Ishaya, the Vice Chancellor of the university, commended the inaugural lecturer for presenting his thoughts, insisting that it would contribute greatly to the body of knowledge.
Represented by Prof. Joash Amupitan, the Deputy Vice Chancellor Administration of the institution, Ishaya said that inaugural lectures provides opportunity for experts to share their wealth of knowledge with the university community.
