...COREN seeks new legislations to curb trend

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) has decried the increase in building collapse in the country and suggested new legislations to deal with cases of negligence on the part of developers and quacks who fail to use professionals in the execution of projects.

The president of COREN, Kashim Ali, stated this at the 26th COREN Engineering Assembly held recently in Abuja.

Kashim said that investigations carried out on collapsed buildings showed that improper designs, poor quality materials and improper site practices were the major causes.

He said that where professional engineers were found to have been involved, the COREN tribunal has enforced necessary disciplinary measures.

He said, “On our own part, we have just concluded work on the development and publication of the first Nigerian Concrete Mix Design Manual. This manual is to guide stakeholders on appropriate processes for producing good concrete.”

He commended the Federal Government for its recent approval of “Policy guidelines for federal executive council, ministries, departments, agencies on the planning and execution of projects, programmes and contracts that have science, engineering and technology components,” saying its proper implementation will lead to meaningful national growth and development.