Building collapse: Soludo’s aide, Omenugha advocates certification for artisans
Human interest
By Valentine Mbadugha
The Special Adviser to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Youth empowerment programmes, Dr Nelson Omenugha has appeared before the panel of inquiry set up by the Anambra State government to investigate the series of recent building collapses in the state.
The panel sitting in Awka is tasked by Governor Soludo, among other things, to investigate the immediate and root causes of the Odu Igbo Ochanja Onitsha and DMGS Onitsha buildings collapse and make recommendations that will aid the state government in developing policies that will forestall future occurrences.
Dr Omenugha frowned at the level of building collapse being recorded in Anambra State and made recommendations on more professional approach to cub the menace.
Part of his recommendations was for proper training, certification and documentation of artisans who on a daily operate on those building sites.
He advocated ensuring people are held accountable for such avoidable incidents which always lead to loss of life and recourses.
Dr Omenugha appeared before the panel with a framework to achieve the certification of artisans and noted that having a proper training and certification of artisans will help enthrone a standard of operation which engineers must insist on to prevent collapse as a result of carelessness or in an attempt to manage resources.
He commended the panel for their time and services and assured them of his support to get the best for the progress of Anambra state.
The Chairman of the panel, Engr Victor Meju, after reactions by the members commended Dr Omenugha for his presentation and recommendations and promised that his recommendations will form part of their policy framework which will be submitted to the Governor for implementation.
He noted that the panel will produce a deliverable action plan that will put a stop to building collapse in the state as no professional will love to be held accountable and therefore will choose to adhere to professional ethics.
