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Improper Layout of Construction Sites Cause Avoidable Accidents, Fatalities, Say Builders
By Fadekemi Ajakaiye
Avoidable fatalities, accidents, waste and double-handling are the effects of improper layout of sites during construction, according to the Nigerian Institute of Building. Thus, they want construction site layouts defined by a registered builder.
Construction site layouts should be well defined and designed at the commencement of a building construction project by a registered builder, according to the nation’s builders.
These are some of the outcomes of the 2017 edition of the mandatory continuous professional development programme of the Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), held in four different locations in the country- Lagos and Abuja (29-30th March, 2017), Katsina and Uyo (5th -6th April, 2017).
The participants, in their communique signed by Bldr. Kunle Awobodu, Chairman Professional Development & Practice Committee Nigerian Institute of Building said, “Temporary site layout planning for building construction works are services rendered by builders that the Nigerian public should take advantage of.”
They said construction methodology has effects on project deliverables such as time, cost and quality. “On the same project, different construction methodologies will lead to different project outcomes.
“The use of construction methodology on building projects in Nigeria with its attendant advantages is not yet pervasive. Consequently, Nigerian public and private clients are enjoined and required to embrace the use of Construction Methodology Document duly prepared by registered builders for their building construction works. Registered builders are equally enjoined to prepare this critical document on all their building projects for all public and private entities.”
While the construction methodology is a precursor to the preparation of construction programme, a construction programme has implication on time, cost, resource deployment, safety and even the legal status of a project. Some collapsed buildings are attributable to unrealistic and unprofessionally projected time frames. Consequently, the Workshop enjoins all public and private sectors procuring and executing entities to request for and use Construction Programme duly prepared by registered builders for time and other resource management.
Poor project record keeping affects future projections of projects. Additionally, poor house-keeping (project site cleaning) can lead to avoidable hazards on project sites. “Consequently, there should be proper record keeping of different activities during and after the life span of a project. Proper house- keeping should be planned and cost into the project as routine practices and should start as soon as the building project starts. Builders should enhance these best practices on their projects while clients should play their roles accordingly.
They said, “Environmental nuisance (manifesting in such issues as Area boys/Omo onile syndrome etc) affects delivery time on projects. There is need for other states of the federation to enact anti-environmental nuisance laws just like Lagos state.”
The theme for the Workshop was Site Management Practices for Builders. The sub-themes were: Concept of Site Management; Construction Methodology; Construction Programming using Primavera 6.
The resource persons and facilitators included Bldr. Prof. Martin Dada, Vice Chairman, Council of Registered Builders of Nigeria, CORBON; Bldr. Olufemi Akinsola, Head, Building Department, Yaba College of Technology; Dr. Joshua Olorunkiya; Mr. Gianpiero Salgarella, Executive Director, Technical, Cappa and D’Alberto Plc; Bldr. Prof. Yohanna Izam, 3rd vice president of NIOB; Bldr. Collins Nwoko; Bldr. Christopher Belonwu; Bldr. Musa Yakubu; Bldr. Msheila Bata; Bldr. Aliyu Dada; Bldr. Dr. Umoh Akaninyene; and Bldr. Joseph Anejoh.
Participants were taken through first principles, real life case studies and simulations.
The President of NIOB, Bldr. Tijjani Shuaib welcomed participants to the programme, reiterating the need for builders to hone and sharpen their skills in the core area of building production management.
While Bldr. (Otunba) Fatai Osikoya reiterated the need for quick passage of the bill for the enforcement of the Nigerian National Building Code, the General Manager of LASBCA, Engr. Dotun Lasoju enjoined increased value addition in rendering of professional services.
At the Katsina centre, the Commissioner for Works, Engr. Tasi’u Dandagoro tasked NIOB members to curb the menace of building collapse in the country. And in Uyo, the Permanent Secretary of Cross River State Ministry of Works, Bldr. Charles Eyong advocated for the adoption of builders’ documents for building projects.
The opening ceremonies witnessed the presence of traditional rulers, key private and public sector functionaries, builders and non-builders alike. Africa’s first builder, Pioneer President of NIOB and the doyen of the Building profession in Nigeria, the 90 year old Pa (Otunba) Fatai Ishola Osikoya and Oba of Odo Ayandolu in Lagos State, His Royal Highness, Bldr. Aderibigbe Asu mo were present at the opening ceremony at the Lagos Center, adding grace and grandeur.
Other eminent personalities were the Commissioner, Kastina State Ministry of Works, Engr. Tasi’u Dahiru Dandagoro; the Permanent Secretary, the Permanent Secretary, Kastina State Ministry of Works, Bldr. Hafiz Ilyasu Wali; the Permanent Secretary, Cross River State Ministry of Works, Bldr. Charles Eyong; the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Engr. Dotun Lasoju; the General Manager, Katsina Housing Authority, Alhaji Salusu Abubakar Daura. Equally present was Nigeria’s first female registered builder and current Chairman NIOB College of Fellows – Bldr. (Mrs.) Bola Araba.
