Architects partner Lagos on development control

TO curb cases of uncoordinated development and building collapse in Lagos State, the state chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), has recently renewed call on the authorities to evolve an effective development control mechanism.

Members of the NIA made this call during its Annual General Meeting (AGM), held at the Kongi Harvest Hall, Freedom Park, Broad Street, Lagos Island, recently.

The architects said they were poised to aid the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to ensure that the megacity status of the state is not hampered through haphazard developments spreading across the state’s landmass.

According to NIA, the essence of partnering with the Lagos State government is to drive out quackery in the state and restore the sanity and beauty with which the city was initially envisioned.

This, the institute said it would be doing by presenting a number of proposals, which will include equipping each planning approval office of the state government with a register of licensed architects so that unqualified people do not come to present drawings for approval and thereby they will be able to hold each architect in charge of a building accountable for quality and sustainable building designs, free of any form of defects.

The AGM afforded the members to consider the various reports including that of the secretariat, treasurer and of the auditors. Highlights of the year’s activities included the participation and review of the chapter at the presentation of the Ikoyi-Victoria Island Model City Plan (2013-2033); conduct of facility tours to companies, site visits, the conduct of professional development seminars, working drawing workshops, courtesy visits to government institutions, Lagos Architects Forum 2015, the chapter’s social events held and the report on various assets acquisition.

While appreciating members at the meeting for their unflinching support in ensuring the success of the first year of his second tenure, NIA chairman, Mr. Ladi Lewis advocated for their continued support in ensuring the realization of the goals set for his second tenure.

Also discussed was the need for the chapter to enhance the performance of the Lagos Architects Cooperative Society. Members were further enjoined to take full benefits of the society and all that it has got to offer in order for it to improve their wellbeing.

The report of the recently concluded Lagos Architects Forum was also considered.

Even though according to them, through the years, they have been doing well in their financial performance year on year, the members urged the executive committee to look at ways to cut cost in the subsequent years in other to record more yields in future events.