The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, NIQS, Rivers State chapter, says it seeks to participate more in government developmental projects in the state.
The past national chairman of the body, Alhaji Murtala Oladapo dropped this hint while speaking to journalists during the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyor’s week in Port Harcourt.
The event took place at Hotel Presidential, Port Harcourt, from 7th -12th of November, 2011.
Alhaji Oladapo further disclosed that the week, tagged, “Emerging Development in the Construction Industry” was very appropriate and timely, considering the amount of construction taking place in some of the states in the federation.
He called on the states in the country to consider the role of the Quantity surveyors in the construction of the various projects taking place in each of the states.
The past president further stated that the present problem of the body is the recognition from the World Trade Organization which will soon be over. He used the event to solicit for the proper recognition of quantity surveyors as they are also cost managers of projects, especially by the world trade organization.
On the award won by Rt. Hon Rotimi Amaechi, the state governor, the group said no single administration has affected the lives of his people like the Amaechi’s administration, hence, the award.
While acknowledging the fact that the group is involved in some of the state projects, he appealed to the state government to fully involve them for cost purposes.
He blamed abandoned projects in NDDC on corruption and not following due process, which include monitoring and evaluation of projects in the various states of the Niger Delta.
Also speaking, Mr. Zack Ijeoma, explained that there are lots of dichotomy between an engineer and a surveyor but during construction of projects, the quantity surveyors are the cost experts that must be involved in any project.
Mr. Ijeoma tasked the state government to solve the problem of dichotomy which robbed them off their statutory functions.
He further stated that, the state government should carry the Quantity surveyors along in the scheme of things.
In the same vein, a veterian Quantity surveyor in the state Mr. Lucky Badon, viewed the award given to the governor by the body as timely.
He however, suggested that quantity surveyors should also be in the forefront of all construction of projects in the state.
Others who graced the occasion include, Mr. Emmanuel Asawor and Chief Ferdinand Anabraba who chaired the event. ####
Pius Dukor/Mene Gbarabe
