How activities of pseudo-practitioners lead to building collapse
In more ways than one, the activities of pseudo-practitioners otherwise called quacks in the built environment has direct link to the high incidence of building collapse in Nigerian cities, especially in Lagos.
Industry experts note that these quacks are not only unqualified but also unregistered ‘professionals’, lamenting that their dark-corner-operation is a dent on professionalism.
According to Ladipo Lewis, chairman, Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos State Chapter, “the activities of these quacks in the construction industry are despicable; they have a direct relationship with building collapse”.
Lewis explained that most of the collapsed buildings were designed by unqualified professionals who lack the basic construction knowledge on how to conduct geo-technical survey, soil test and the essential calculations expected of a qualified architect before erecting a structure.
He noted that some remote areas of Lagos such as Ebute-Meta are known to employ quacks as architects which, in turn, explain the high incidence of building collapse in that area.
“Most times, when buildings are going to collapse, the signs are visible before the eventual collapse but most times the owners do not attend to those cracks because a professional was not involved from the onset”, he said, stressing that until already existing rules are enforced by planning authorities, the trend would continue.
Lewis, who spoke at the institute’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) recently, also pointed out the need for expatriates who wish to practice in the country to be fully registered.
According to him, there is an existing internationally recognized standard which requires architects wishing to practice abroad to be fully registered before they can operate in any country, pointing out that in Nigeria it is not so.
“It is wrong that we have architects from abroad who are not duly registered to practice in Nigeria coming into the country to be engaged”, he lamented.
He also emphasized the need for a clear definition of roles and responsibilities of professionals in the built industry in accordance with international best practice in order to prevent any chaos or clash of responsibility in the system.
“Architects should to take advantage of the upcoming Eko Atlantic City project to demonstrate their expertise and explore opportunities as it is done worldwide where indigenous architects play a huge role in developing structures and cementing their stake in the construction industry”, he advised.
According to him, it is important for indigenous architects to stand up to the challenge in ensuring effective modern urbanization as it is pertinent that in the pursuit of urbanization of a city, professionals should be proactive in taking up the challenges of driving the modeling and shaping of urban development.
By: ODINAKA MBONU