Ibadan – A Coren registered Engineer, Emmanuel Olufemi Dare, has called for the establishment and enforcement of Safety Rules at Construction sites all over the country.
He also observed a drop in Construction activities in the first quarter of 2025 while expressing doubt that the second quarter of the year will be significantly better.
Speaking on The Landlords – the Radio Edition with OnePlot in Ibadan, Engr Dare highlighted cost of funds, labour shortage and low patronage as some of the challenges hindering activities in the construction industry.
According to him, the use of alternative building materials should be encouraged to reduce the cost of construction.
‘Look at the Bamboo house built in 1842, it’s still standing till today. We can use other materials apart from the common ones to reduce the cost of construction’, he remarked.
‘Cement materials are mostly import based, that’s why it is expensive’.
A Member, American Society of Civil Engineers, MASCE and real estate and property development expert while reacting to the issue of safety at Construction sites, called for the formulation of policies that will ensure and mandate the use of Personal Protective Equipment by all workers on site.
‘At Shell and other big construction sites, you cannot go to sites barefooted. There is a point you will get to and you will be asked to turn back if you’re not properly dressed’.
‘It’s interesting some people go to sites with almost an agbada with nothing to cover their heads, what if something falls on you’, Engr Dare noted, adding that ‘no construction site must be without safety officers and a sick bay, regardless of the size of the structure’.
Engr Dare lauded the efforts of the Oyo State government led by Governor Seyi Makinde at rehabilitating roads across the state and the ease of doing business in the state, which according to him, is more than what is obtained in some neighboring states.
He also gave his analysis on the “new Lagos” the Ibeju Lekki axis and all the developmental works ongoing as they spur economic growth in the axis.
Click the link below to watch the full interview:
