Building collapse: Architecture, hijacked by quacks – Arc. Yero
‘Tasks govts on building control law’
OKERAFOR ATHANATIUS, JALINGO.
The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Infrastructures in Taraba State, Arc. Hadiza Bello Yero has expressed worry over the rampant collapse of buildings in Taraba State and Nigeria, saying Architecture as a profession has been hijacked by quacks.
Hadiza Bello Yero
Arc. Yero who, spoke in Jalingo, the State capital during an interview with journalists shortly after the 10th Anniversary celebration of the State chapter of Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), said quacks ravaged the profession, achieved their aims by using new technologies of artificial intelligence.
Arc. Yero said their clients have abandoned the services of registered and licensed professionals but engaged those of quacks where they would pay less hence building collapse.
“There are rules and guidelines that must be followed by our Clients which they are conversant with but our clients always run away from these rules, keep attending to quacks who adopt unprofessional methods with a view to achieving their aims,”
“Today, somebody who is not a professional architect, somebody who is neither registered nor licensed is the person designing for the people to build their houses and that is the problem”, she added.
Hadiza Bello Yero however, called on the government of the day to come in and enforce what she described as a ‘Building Control Law’ on the people before any house or building could be erected.
The paper presenter Arc. Umar Bulus Bello, during an interview also said, the essence of the paper presentation was to reawaken consciousness in the minds of the Architects.
Umar Bulus Bello
He said Architects are supposed to be the leaders in the construction industry but due to some circumstances in their ways of getting fully registered to practice in Nigeria, it has created a room for other professionals to take over their roles in the building industry.
He however, urged them to be patient, follow due diligence, get registered, adding that when licensed and the building still collapses, the person’s license would be withdrawn and when withdrawn, he or she loses the license.
Arc. Umar Bulus Bello also called on the leadership of NIA in the State to take the issues concerning members’ registration very serious.
“The leadership has to do something because getting registration in architecture is a hurculean task. Some members used to leave the struggle and just relax because they can get jobs to do without even getting license”,
“Most of the causes of building collapse are as a result of taking short cuts in the process of construction”, he added.
He advised governments at all levels to ensure that registered and/or confirmed Architects are engaged in the designing, building and construction industry.
According to him, by engaging registered and licensed professionals, it will reduce the chances of people using substandard materials at the sites.
