Building collapse: SON, Dangote Group train block moulders on quality

The Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) in collaboration with the Dangote Group, has trained block moulders and related product manufacturers in northern Nigeria on quality standards to prevent the collapse of buildings in the region.

SON chief executive Farouk Salim told Jos on Monday that training had become imperative due to the increase in building collapse cases in the country.

Mr Salim, represented by SON’s North-Central Regional Coordinator Mr Albert Wilberforce, said block moulders and related product makers were key to tackling the threat that has claimed the lives of many lately.

“This is necessary, especially with the current events in our country regarding the building collapse issues where we have lost promising Nigerians, especially young people.

“Some people go into block moulding for the sole purpose of making money without knowing the technical details necessary to have a quality product.

“This is why we decided to collaborate with the Dangote group who certified a quality cement to organize this workshop,” he said.

He said the days of people doing things based on personal experiences rather than standards anyway are over.

According to the general manager, the key component of the block industry is cement, whose Dangote products have been tested and fully certified to meet standards.

He said that the mixing ratio, water quality and hardening of the moulded blocks were other things to take seriously in order to produce standard blocks.

“For example, if the block is not cured properly, it cannot achieve the desired strength.

“It won’t be good for construction of any type. So we expect people to be properly educated and let them know the technical details of the business they are involved in, ”he said.

Mr Salim assured that SON would continue to travel to test the blocks and would also encourage block makers, especially those who were credible, not to compromise on quality.

Isma Iliya, Northeast Regional Director of Dangote Cement PLC, said Nigeria needs all professionals on deck to boost the quality of the construction industry in the country.

Mr Iliya commended SON for partnering with the Dangote Group to bring stakeholders together to tackle a major issue disrupting the industry.

He said that despite the quality of Dangote products, the company has continued to engage with customers to get their suggestions to continue improving the quality of their products.

Governor Simon Lalong, represented by State Commissioner for Special Functions, Mr Jerry Werr, commended SON and the Dangote Group for the initiative to train key stakeholders in the construction industry.

Mr Lalong urged those involved in the block industry to ensure that the highest professional standards are met.

“When you buy these products, make sure they are of high quality.

“If you are a layman, please hire a professional to guide you in checking and maintaining quality.

“If you want to reduce costs and compromise on quality, know that the damage cannot be quantified in the end,” he said.

SON Plateau coordinator Gambo Dimka said building professionals, manufacturers and dealers were the tripods on which the solution to building collapse rests.

Mr Dimka said the training would create the required awareness among building professionals and the implementation of standard requirements for safety and improvement of life.

The Nigerian News Agency reports that goodwill messages have been received on the occasion of professional bodies including the Nigerian Society of Engineers, the Nigerian Institute of Architects and the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors. (NAN)