NIOB links building collapse to unrealistic projected time frames

AGAIN, the Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB) has reiterated the need for quick passage of National Building Code, by the National Assembly.

The institute also attributed most of building collapse cases to what it called “unrealistic and sometimes, unprofessional projected time frame.”

These were part of the resolutions arrived at during the 2017 edition of its mandatory continuous professional development programme, held in four different locations across the country last week.

The theme of the event was “Site Management Practices for Builders” and three sub-themes, namely: Concept of Site Management; Construction Methodology and Construction Programming using Primavera 6.

The locations were Lagos and Abuja (March 29-30, 2017), Katsina and Uyo (April 5-6, 2017).

In a communique signed by the Chairman Professional Development and Practice Committee, NIOB, Kunle Awobodu, the workshop noted that avoidable fatalities, accidents, waste and double-handling are the effects of improper layout of sites during construction, adding that construction methodology has effects on project deliverables such as time, cost and quality.

On the same project, different construction methodologies will lead to different project outcomes. The use of construction methodology on building projects in Nigeria with its attendant advantages is not yet pervasive.

Consequently, Nigerian public and private clients are enjoined and required to embrace the use of Construction Methodology Document duly prepared by registered builders for their building construction works, while registered builders are equally enjoined to prepare this critical document on all their building projects for all public and private entities.

“Some collapsed buildings are attributable to unrealistic and unprofessionally projected time frames.

“Consequently, the workshop enjoins all public and private sectors procuring and executing entities to request for and use Construction Programme duly prepared by registered builders for time and other resource management,” he said.

Earlier in his address, the President of NIOB, Tijjani Shuaib, emphasised the need for the practitioners to hone and sharpen their skills in the core area of building production management.

Similarly, another old practitioner, Otunba Fatai Osikoya, reiterated the need for quick passage of the bill for the enforcement of the Nigerian National Building Code, while the General Manager of Lagos Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Mr Dotun Lasoju, also enjoined increased value addition in rendering of professional services.

At Katsina Centre, the Commissioner of the State’s Ministry of Works, Mr Tasi’u Dandagoro, tasked NIOB members to curb the menace of building collapse in the country. And from Uyo, the Permanent Secretary of Cross River State Ministry of Works, Mr Charles Eyong, advocated for the adoption of builders’ documents for building projects.