Expert recommends penalties for engineers culpable of building collapse

A mechanical and manufacturing engineer with a specialty in quality management and continuous improvement Dr. Evi Viza, has called for the enforcement of measures and stiffer penalties against engineering companies that deviate from standard rules that lead to building collapses and system failure.

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

The lead presenter who is a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) and a fellow of the Royal Society of Arts stated that stiff penalties will discourage engineers and companies from engaging in Sub-standard jobs to avoid system failure.

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

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

“Having the right skills, right suppliers, 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 on these erring contractors.

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