The Ondo State Government has commenced moves to strengthen collaboration with professionals in the building and construction sector as part of efforts to curb building collapse and other unethical practices in the industry.
The state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development disclosed this during an interactive meeting with major professional bodies in the building and construction industry held at the ministry’s headquarters in Akure.
The meeting, which brought together representatives of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria (ATOPCON), Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB) and the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), among others, focused on strengthening professional standards and ensuring compliance with building regulations in the state.
Addressing the gathering, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Olajide, said the engagement was necessary to foster a cordial working relationship between the ministry and critical stakeholders in the sector.
According to him, such collaboration was essential to achieving the modern physical planning and urban renewal agenda of the administration of Governor Lucky Aiyedatiwa.
Olajide urged the leadership of the professional bodies to take decisive steps towards eliminating quackery, the use of substandard building materials and impersonation of qualified professionals at construction sites.
He stressed that proper supervision by qualified professionals and the use of standard materials were critical to preventing building collapse and safeguarding lives and property.
The commissioner also frowned at the activities of developers and builders who commence construction without obtaining the necessary approvals from the ministry.
He said some developers also contravene approved building plans, while others allegedly forge the ministry’s approval documents.
Olajide warned that the state government would not tolerate violations of building regulations or unethical practices, stressing that anyone found culpable would face appropriate sanctions, including prosecution.
The two Permanent Secretaries in the ministry, Chief Oluwagbenga Akingbasote, who oversees Physical Planning, and Tpl. Abimbola Tofowomo, in charge of Building Control, explained the ministry’s regulatory responsibilities.
They highlighted the various stages of building approvals, inspection, monitoring and enforcement aimed at ensuring that construction activities across the state comply with approved standards.
In their separate responses, representatives of the professional bodies commended Governor Aiyedatiwa for what they described as proactive measures aimed at preventing the recurrence of building collapses witnessed in some parts of the country.
They also commended the commissioner and management of the ministry for bringing together the various professional bodies, describing the initiative as unprecedented since the establishment of the ministry.
The professionals, however, called on the ministry to intensify monitoring and enforcement activities, while urging the government to digitalise the building approval process to make it more transparent and efficient.
They also appealed for the speedy passage of the proposed Urban and Regional Planning Law for the state, increased public enlightenment and sensitisation on the ministry’s activities, as well as the establishment of additional departments to accommodate other relevant professionals in the sector.
The stakeholders expressed optimism that stronger collaboration between the government and professional bodies would help improve compliance with building standards and significantly reduce the risk of building collapse in Ondo State.
