Geologists demand soil tests in projects

In a renewed effort to curb incessant collapses of buildings, the Nigerian Association for Engineering Geology and the Environment (NAEGE), has called on government at all levels and organizations to establish a functional engineering geological units for pre-construction investigations of projects.

The association particularly lamented on too many reported cases of building collapses and the occurrence of environmental hazards in many parts of Nigeria, which it says are preventable man-made disaster .

In a communiqué issued at the end of its two-day yearly International Conference with the theme; “Sustainability of Buildings and the Environment” held in Ikeja, Lagos, NAEGE said engineering geological investigations should always precede any major construction projects like; roads, buildings, excavation activities amongst others, to safe lives and prevent the colossal loss of financial and material resources.

“All geotechnical/soil investigation reports must be endorsed by a practicing geologist/engineering geologist registered with Council of Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geologists. All construction and material-sourcing companies that practice engineering geological-related services should employ geo-scientists into their establishments”.

The conference also emphasized that all hands must be on deck towards ensuring that the law establishing the Council of Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG) is enforced with relevant guidelines and enforceable sanctions.

In the document endorsed by its President, Prof. Gabriel Adeyemi, the association warned that the challenges of building collapse, erosion and waste disposal sites evaluation in Nigeria must not be treated with kid’s gloves. The forum, therefore recommended the application of geological engineering knowledge in preventing failures of buildings, and prevention of natural and environmental hazards.

“Members of NAEGE are experts in comprehensive sub-soil investigation for structures, buildings, dams and tunnels, and evaluation of naturally occurring construction materials. Their expertise is also important in drilling for water and hydrocarbons, cum mining solid minerals. We are also specialists in active and proposed waste disposal sites, environmental impact assessment and prevention of natural hazards. The society, is thus, relevant in ministries of works, Solid Minerals Development, Environment, Water and Petroleum Resources”

“NAEGE has been registered by the Corporate Affairs Commission of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We are therefore recognized by law to practice effectively”, he stated.