By Richard Ndoma, Calabar
A mechanical and manufacturing engineer with specialty in Quality Management and Continuous Improvement, Dr. Evi Viza, has called for the enforcement of draconian measures and stiffer penalties against engineering companies and engineers who deviate from standard rules that lead to building collapsed and system failure.
Viza made the call during the 2024 International Conference, Exhibition and Annual General, AGM, organized by Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria, APWEN, which rounded off yesterday in Calabar.
The lead presenter, who doubles as member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology, IET, and fellow of Royal Society of Arts stated that stiff penalties will discourage engineers and companies with an intention to engage in sub-standard jobs sit up to avoid system failure.
Viza, who is also a Programm Leader Quality Management University of Scotland and mentor to APWEN, identified causes of system failure and building collapse to include absence of proper risk management, health and safety skills among others.
Whe said, “There are regulations with no penalties. For example if a building collapsed and you find out why it collapsed, and the person or company is penalised, no contractor or engineer will evade regulation.
“Having the right skills, right suppliers, make sure that those responsible for enforcement of the law perform their job without fear or favour and this would 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, but unfortunately nothing was done on the erring contractors.
Also speaking, chairperson, Women Engineers Committee, Nairobi Kenya, Engr. Jannifer Gache, urged women engineers to seek for leadership position in government to use the opportunity to contribution to the development and growth of the sector.
