The Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) has launched a new Standard Method of Measurement of Works to be used with conditions of Engagement and Consultancy Services Agreement.
The standard known as BESMM4 would be admitted for use on measurement papers for both Graduateship (GDE) and Test of Professional Competence (TPC) Examinations from May 2017.
NIQS President Mr. Mercy Iyortyer noted that BESMM4 would replace BESMM3 as the official Standard Method of Measurement of Works to be used with conditions of Engagement and Consultancy Services Agreement to be approved and directed by the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN).
Speaking at a training workshop in Abuja, Iyortyer said that NIQS has already put in motion the process of developing a software with theBESMM4 integrate for ease of use by members.
She observed that the workshop is aimed at providing training on a measurement standard that is in line with the current trend in construction and contract procurement.
The NIQS President recalled that BESMM3 published by the institute in 2008 has been officially recognized standard method of measurement for use in Nigeria till date adding that some errors in text and context were noted in the document which necessitated correction by removal of unnecessary features, inserting omissions, rearrangement of content and incorporating additional rules deemed necessary to enable the document serve its purpose more effectively.
She pointed out that all these shortfalls have been addressed in BESMM4 and urged the NIQS National Executive Council to sensitize members on its usage and relevance to total cost management of construction and engineering works.
Iyortyer observed that the BESMM4 is user-friendly hence, the need for participants to develop the capacity to apply the provisions of BESMM4 efficiently.
