By Celestine Okeh
The Ebonyi State Government on Friday, lunched the Professionals Building Approval Compliance Form, aimed at stamping out the ugly menace of building collapse in the state.
Unveiling the professional form in Abakaliki, Ebonyi State capital, the state Commissioner for Capital City and Urban planning, Chief Sunday Elechi Inyima, said that the form is a must for all developers in the state irrespective of the structural type.
According to the commissioner, the form encompasses six categories of professional bodies involved in the built industry, ranging from architecture, mechanical engineering, civil engineering (structural), building, electrical engineering, and town planning.
He expressed gratitude to Governor, Francis Ogbonna Nwifuru, who is a builder, acknowledging his commendable efforts and passion in guaranteeing safety and standard in the built industry.
Chief Inyima stated, “We have convened to establish an initiative that will significantly mitigate, if not entirely eliminate, instances of building collapse within urban estates. Historically, we have witnessed building collapses in our state, although this phenomenon is not exclusive to Ebonyi; it occurs globally and in every region of our nation,”Inyima noted.
The unveiling was attended by professionals from various fields, including architecture, mechanical engineering, civil engineering (structural), building, electrical engineering, and town planning.
Speaking, Bldr. Igboekulie Innocent, a representative of the Council of Registered Builders in Nigeria and Ebonyi state charman, Nigerian Institute of Building, emphasized the necessity of the compliance form, asserting that for every development, it is imperative for all requisite professionals to contribute their expertise to avert unforeseen complications.
On behalf of the Architectural Registration Council of Nigeria (ARCN), the Secretary of the Nigeria Institute of Architects, Ebonyi State, Architect Nwakpu John, commended the two developers, VicSunny Energy Limited and Ereke, for registering their projects with the professionals and urged other developers to collaborate with building experts to ascertain the requisite standards for construction.
He advised, “Developers should engage with professionals to familiarize themselves with the necessary requirements, as these individuals have successfully passed rigorous examinations. This is imperative.”
He further added, “Before initiating your design, it is crucial to recognize that ARCN is involved. Consult with the professionals to obtain the necessary specifications to avoid the rejection of your drawings, especially considering the exorbitant costs of printing today,”Architect Nwakpu admonished.
Additionally, Engineer Eni Enyinnaya, representing the Council for Regulation of Engineers in Nigeria (COREN), Ebonyi State, emphasized that adherence to building designs and proposals ensures that developers can be confident in the longevity of their investments.
He remarked, “By following this process, you can rest assured that your project will not falter, as you will have the best professionals reviewing your building design proposals and certifying their integrity. Furthermore, by adhering to best practices during the construction phase, you can be assured that your investment will withstand the test of time,”he assured.
He elaborated that the form serves as a comprehensive guide to the necessary engineers required to certify any design for execution, asserting that moving forward, building collapses will become a relic of the past.
“From this point onward, building collapses will be relegated to history. Let me clarify that the form is a compilation of the essential professional engineers who will lend their expertise to your design, certifying its adequacy for execution. Among them is the civil structural engineer, who takes over once the architect has provided the foundational framework of your design.
“They are succeeded by the mechanical engineer, who ensures that the mechanical elements of the design adhere to best practices, as well as the electrical engineer, who guarantees compliance with established standards in electrical engineering. By successfully navigating these steps, we can assure you that your building proposal is primed for approval,”he articulated.
Reinforcing the rationale behind the Ebonyi State Professionals Building Approval Compliance initiative, Town Planner Ndefreke Etem, the Public Relations Secretary of the Nigeria Institute of Town Planners, Ebonyi State, called upon developers to adhere to the compliance form.
He stated, “Regarding the compliance form, as a town planner, we have evaluated it based on spatial requirements and zoning regulations, and we have determined that these developers have met the necessary criteria. Thus, we have affixed our signatures, affirming that their developments are approved to proceed,”he declared.
VicSunny Energy Limited and Ifeanyi Ereke were among the developers who successfully met the requirements for project approval by the professionals.
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