Experts advocate stiffer penalties for  Engineers associated  with  building collapse

From Ene Asuquo, Calabar 

A Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineer with specialty in Quality Management and Continuous improvement, Evi Viza, has called for enforcement of draconian measures and  stiffer  penalties against  engineering companies who deviate from  standard rules that lead  to building collapse and system failure.

Viza made the call  during the 2024 International Conference, Exhibition  and Annual General (AGM ) which concluded yesterday in Càlabar.

The lead presenter who doubles as member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology  (IET) and fellow of Royal Society of Arts stated that  stiffer penalties will  discourage engineers  and  companies with  intention to engage in Sub-standard jobs to avoid system failure.

Viza who is also a Program Leader, Quality Management University of Scotland and mentor to APWEN,  identified causes of system  failure and building collapse to include absence of  proper risk management, health and safety skills among others.

“There are regulations with no penalties. For example if a building collapsed and you find out why it collapsed,  and the person or company is pernalized, no contractor or engineer will evade regulation.

“Having the right skills, right suppliers, and making sure that  those responsible for enforcement of the law  perform their job without fear or favour will make those awarded contracts  sit up.

The lead speaker averred that many of her Nigerian students had investigated  cases of failed projects that ought to attract sanctions to erring contractors unfortunately nothing was done to the erring contractors.

Also speaking, chairperson Women Engineers Committee, Nairobi Kenya, Jannifer Gache, urged  women engineers to seek leadership positions in government to  use the opportunity to contribute to the  development and growth of the sector.