Civil Engineers in Taraba Lead Walk Against Building, Infrastructure Collapse

 

The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Taraba Chapter, has joined professionals across the country in a public awareness walk to draw attention to the growing incidence of building and infrastructure collapse in Nigeria.

 

The event, tagged "Walk Against Building and Infrastructure Collapse," was held in Jalingo, the Taraba State capital.

 

Participants converged at the Taraba State Ministry of Works and marched through major routes to the Jolly Nyame Stadium, using the exercise to sensitise the public on the dangers of substandard construction practices and the need for strict adherence to professional standards.

 

Speaking during the walk, Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Jalingo Chapter, Engineer Elijah Kungwa, said the initiative was introduced under the leadership of Engineer Tokunbo Ajanaku to mobilise professionals in the built environment to take the lead in tackling recurring cases of building collapse.

 

Engineer Kungwa explained that most building failures are caused by non-compliance with approved construction standards and the engagement of unqualified individuals for structural design and supervision. He stressed that proper soil investigation and professional structural design are essential in preventing cracks, structural defects and eventual collapse.

 

He warned members of the public against cutting costs by patronising quacks or unlicensed practitioners, noting that such shortcuts often result in greater financial losses and, in some cases, loss of lives and property.

 

Also speaking, Engineer Danladi Adamu Osiki emphasised the need for engineers to renew their practising licences annually with the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). He warned that any engineer operating without a valid COREN licence is deemed unqualified to practise.

 

The engineers called for stronger collaboration among professionals, regulators and government authorities to ensure safer buildings and infrastructure across Taraba State and the country at large.