By Modupe Gbadeyanka
To prevent building collapse, members of the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) have been tasked to comply strictly with guidelines put in place by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON).
The Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun, while speaking on Wednesday at the inauguration of newly elected state officers of the association in Ibadan, described block moulders as critical stakeholders in construction works.
He said the Oyo State government has zero-tolerance for building collapse, noting that efforts would be made to strengthen the relationship between both parties.
“We identify with you because we are aware that blocks are essential components in building which, if not professionally done to standard, could cause great havoc like building collapse,” the Commissioner said.
Mr Olatunbosun, therefore, assured the group that the state government will support members of the Association, to boost their businesses.
The Commissioner appealed to members of NABMON to ensure that their activities are properly regulated as stipulated in the Building and Civil Engineering materials Law of the State Government.
Berating the high cost of materials such as cement, Mr Olatunbosun, however, called on the federal government to see to the high cost of cement, which in turn is affecting the standard of living of residents.
In his contribution, the National President of NABMON, Mr Adesegun Banjoko, bemoaned the rate at which building owners engage the services of quacks to mould blocks for them.
He, therefore, stressed that such practice cannot guarantee the quality, as basic professional processes cannot be adhered to by the quacks.
Also speaking at the event, the State Chairman NABMON, Mr Kareem Adewale, urged the Oyo State Government to partner with the association in its sensitisation campaign, where members of the public would be enlightened on the dangers of patronising unapproved block moulding industries as well as the need to insist in quality blocks.
He said the organisation was set to deal with errant members, who fail to follow the guidelines given to them by SON in moulding quality blocks.
Adedapo Adesanya