Anambra State government has commenced the process of issuing certificates to qualification for block moulders in the state. Ebosie Ezeoke, executive chairman, Anambra State Material Testing Laboratory, ASMTL, made this known to newsmen in Awka.

He explained that the measure was to ensure that only certified and qualified block moulders operate in the state, to forestall incidences of building collapse.

Ezeoke noted that the measure was in accordance with provisions of section 14 Building and Civil Engineering Materials Testing Law ANHA/LAW/2011/10.

The ASMTL boss explained that the law empowers the agency to carry out civil engineering and quality control testing on structures and materials.

“The proposed action has been preceded by almost two years of rigorous and time consuming testing and training for block producers in the state,’’ he said.

Ezeoke added that confirmatory tests were also conducted at the Laboratory at Awka, using locally available materials for block production, including river sand and water.

He emphasised that certificates would soon be presented to the first batch of qualified block moulders by Marcel Ifejiofor, Anambra State commissioner for Works, at a public presentation ceremony.
Meanwhile, State’s commissioner for works has urged engineers in his Ministry to be alive to their responsibilities by ensuring that quality roads are constructed with good drainage systems.

Ifejiofor gave the directive during a meeting with Directors and Engineers who represent in the Ministry of Works at project sites.

The commissioner reminded them that they were field workers and must bring their professionalism to bear in the supervision of road projects in the state.

“This is to help the government to actualise the aim of constructing quality and lasting roads,” Ifejiofor said.

He enjoined them to work in harmony with the consultants and contractors but avoid compromising their professional integrity.

Ifejiofor cautioned that the ministry would not hesitate to write for withdrawal of their practising licences, if projects they supervise fail.

“You must take ownership of all the sites entrusted to you and report any development to your directors,” Ifejiofor said.

Emeka Ohuoha, the permanent secretary in the ministry reminded the engineers, who represent the ministry on projects to shun the usual excuse of non-payment of contractors.

Ohuoha said that directors of the highways in the ministry were now constantly updated with payment status on every road project urging them to liaise with their Director.

He urged the engineers to find out those contractors and Directors who were updated on payment status, so as to know when to ask them to get back to site.

The permanent secretary said that the management of the ministry was working hard to tackle all the challenges pointed by the engineers, particularly on the issue of refresher training and workshops.