Experts proffer solution to sustainable infrastructural development

Experts in the Civil and Structural Engineering have identified localization of structural design, reduction in the dependence of government fund, developing technologies that rely on locally sourced materials and the extension of local content policy to construction as solution to recurrent structural collapse and sustainable infrastructural development in Nigeria.

Speaking during the 2014 Annual Seminar of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, NICE, organized by Warri Chapter, the National Vice Chairman of NICE and Ex-Project Engineer for the upgrading of Osogbo Railway Station, Engr. Olalekan Olaitan Salami advised against importation of technologies that cannot be domesticated, stressing that it is very vital to ensure that imported technologies should be designed to make it adaptable to our environment.

Engr. Salami who was speaking on “development and deployment of sustainable construction materials in Nigeria” enjoined the Federal Government to extend the local content policy to the construction industry and canvassed for the drastic reduction in over-dependence of public fund in the execution of structures.

A University Teacher, Engr. John Ebipuakebina Agori in a paper presentation posited that the use of waste tyres in highway construction can lead to energy efficiency, durability, cost efficiency and accessibility.

A Benin based Consultant Optometrist, Dr. Constant-Noble Omamogho, Engr. Peter Oginni, Engr. Lawrence Ajuyah who received a special award of excellence and initiator of a local indigenous technology designed to control erosion, Bisola Smith were among experts that spoke at the seminar.

In his address, the Chairman of Nice Warri Chapter, Engr. Donald Okeke enumerated the achievements of his leadership to include in-house training of its members to update their knowledge and enjoined members to remain committed to the professional goals of the Institution.

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