By Ikeugonna Eleke
The Special Adviser to the Anambra State Governor, Prof Chukwuma Soludo, on youth empowerment programmes, Dr Nelson Omenugha, has advocated for certification for artisans working in building sites.
Omenugha said such move would distinguish qualified ones from the unqualified and also stem the tide of building collapse which had been recurring in the state.
He stated this when he appeared before a panel of inquiry set up by the Anambra State Government to investigate the series of recent building collapses in the state.
‘My recommendations are for proper training, certification and documentation of artisans, who on a daily basis operate at those building sites.
‘I advocate that people are held accountable for such avoidable incidents of building collapse which always lead to loss of life and recourses,’ he said.
Dr Omenugha also gave the panel a framework to achieve the certification of artisans and noted that having a proper training and certification of artisans would 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 would form part of their policy framework which would be submitted to the Governor for implementation.
He said the panel would produce a deliverable action plan that will put a stop to building collapse in the state as no professional would love to be held accountable and therefore would choose to adhere to professional ethics.
