How Penicillin Changed Medicine Forever

By Ndife David, Awka

 

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Anambra State Chapter, has announced plans to adopt a whistleblower strategy to curb incessant building collapses and eliminate quack developers in Anambra’s construction industry.

This was disclosed by the Chairman of the Anambra State Committee on COREN, Engr. Sir Victor Meju, as part of the Council’s efforts to tackle challenges posed by unqualified developers, who are the primary cause of frequent building collapses recorded in the state.

Speaking to journalists in Awka, Engr. Meju revealed that COREN is set to introduce a new regulatory roadmap in Anambra, enabling the Southeast Regional Committee to conduct collective monitoring and enforcement of engineering activities within and beyond the state using a newly adopted template.

According to him, with the right team of professionals—including architects, engineers, experienced builders, and other experts—the recent spate of building collapses could have been prevented. He emphasized the presence of various professional bodies and regulatory agencies in the state, particularly in the capital city, and the need for strict compliance with engineering standards.

Engr. Meju stressed that the Council has decided to adopt the whistleblower policy, encouraging the public to report fraudulent developers in their localities. This, he said, would help combat quackery, which is a major cause of structural failures and safety hazards in the state.

He expressed concern over the decline in professional standards, blaming it on developers who hire incompetent individuals, thereby compromising safety and quality in construction projects.

“Conducting fundamental tests—including sand tests, soil tests, material tests, and even water tests—to certify the quality of materials used in a project is critical to preventing accidents during construction,” he stated.

“COREN has visited all relevant industries in Anambra and has already initiated collaboration with the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), the Anambra State Material Testing Agency, and other building control agencies to ensure that only professionals handle major construction projects across the state,” he added.

He also highlighted major challenges affecting the Council’s effectiveness, including insufficient manpower and mobilization for field inspections to properly monitor buildings, roads, electricity, and the mining sector. He emphasized the need for continuous sensitization campaigns to educate the public on the importance of safe and well-planned construction projects.

“We must act fast if we are to completely stop quack developers from causing more harm to the lives and properties of Ndi Anambra, especially during the rainy season,” he warned.

The Anambra State COREN Chairman further urged the Anambra State Government to take a more proactive approach in tackling the issue. He specifically called for the proper implementation of recommendations from panel reports on past building collapses to eliminate quacks from the system.