The Imo State chapter of the Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB) issues a scathing accusation against the Owerri Capital Development Authority (OCDA), holding them responsible for the proliferation of substandard buildings in the state.
The NIOB asserts that the OCDA’s lax enforcement of building regulations and its willingness to turn a blind eye to the presence of quacks within the building profession have directly contributed to this unfortunate trend.
The body disclosed this unholy trend to the some journalists in Owerri during their recent road show/enlightenment campaign as one of the programs to commemorate their annual Registered Builders week .
They went further to disclosed with regrets how all their proposals to the OCDA to make prospective builders sign an undertaking on any building construction job they have before going to site were swept under the carpet for reasons best known to the government agency and its leadership.
In the different submissions of both the incumbent chairman, secretary and the immediate past chairman of Imo State chapter of NIOB, the OCDA’s alleged practice of permitting unqualified individuals to engage in building construction projects in exchange for gratification has undermined the integrity of the building industry in Imo State.
This unethical behavior not only compromises the safety and structural integrity of buildings but also jeopardizes the lives and well-being of residents and occupants.
The NIOB condemns the OCDA’s actions as a betrayal of public trust and a gross dereliction of duty.
They call for urgent and decisive action to address the root causes of substandard construction in Imo State, including domestication National Building Code, stricter enforcement of building regulations, the prosecution of offenders, and the promotion of professional standards within the building industry.
The high point of the roadshow/enlightenment campaign was the lecture series/workshop and launch at the City Chef Restaurant Owerri, given to the students of building technology and other related courses from various tertiary institutions in the state by the the leadership of NIOB and other guest speakers that included field professionals and tertiary institutions dons.
