A Mechanical and Manufacturing Engineer specializing in Quality Management and Continuous Improvement, Dr. Evi Viza, has called for the implementation of stringent penalties against engineering companies that fail to adhere to standard regulations, resulting in building collapses and system failures.
Dr. Viza made this appeal during the 2024 International Conference, Exhibition, and Annual General Meeting (AGM) organized by the Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN), which concluded yesterday in Calabar.
As the lead presenter and a member of the Institute of Engineering and Technology (IET) as well as a Fellow of the Royal Society of Arts, Viza asserted that severe penalties would deter engineers and companies from undertaking sub-standard projects that could lead to system failures.
Viza, also a Program Leader in Quality Management at the University of Scotland and a mentor to APWEN, highlighted the key causes of system failures and building collapses, including poor risk management and a lack of health and safety expertise.
“There are regulations with no penalties. For example, when a building collapses and the root cause is identified, penalizing the responsible party would ensure that no contractor or engineer disregards regulations in the future,” Viza stated. “Ensuring that those in charge of enforcing the law do their job without fear or favour will compel contractors to take their responsibilities seriously.”
The lead speaker further noted that many of her Nigerian students had investigated failed projects that should have led to sanctions against contractors, but regrettably, no punitive action was taken.
In her remarks, Engr. Jannifer Gache, Chairperson of the Women Engineers Committee, Nairobi, Kenya, encouraged women engineers to pursue leadership positions in government to influence the development and growth of the sector.
