By Chukwuka Ugokwe
The Anambra State Chairman of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), QS Chidi Oduenyi, has attributed the spate of abandoned projects across the nation to the non-consultation of its members for proper cost analysis and management practices.
Speaking when he led a delegation of the body on a courtesy call on the State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, on November 10, he described their role as highly critical in the construction industry.
According to him, Quantity Surveyors, as professionals, could help developers translate drawings and specifications into measurable work items and a realistic project cost.
This, he said, would provide intending property developers with realistic cost information, thereby reducing the risk of abandoning a project, unsafe cost-cutting and material substitution which could result in building collapse.
“Architectural and Engineering drawings may show what is to be built, but they do not, by themselves, establish the measured quantities of work, the realistic cost of construction, and the financial implications of the specifications.
“A Bill of Quantities prepared and signed by a registered Quantity Surveyor will provide a structured description of the proposed works, measured quantities of major work items, a basis for transparent contractor pricing and a benchmark for assessing variations,” he said.
Oduenyi, therefore, called on the Commissioner to include Quantity Surveyors on the list of professionals who contribute to the building approval process in the state, so as to restore them to their rightful place among the recognised professionals.
“We are professionally trained and statutorily regulated to provide realistic cost estimates for all forms of construction developments, as well as measurements, procurement and financial control in construction and urban renewal processes,” he added.
Responding, the commissioner assured them that he would do something to facilitate their inclusion, but quickly added that under the state Physical Planning law, the body was not recognised in the building approval process.
While underscoring the relevance of their professional input, he emphasised that only an amendment of the law could facilitate their inclusion.
Chukwuka Ugokwe is of the Ministry of Information and Value Reformation, Anambra State
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