Anambra Housing Ministry, NSE Awka Deepen Partnership on Construction Standards
By Ekweaga Uzoma
The Anambra State Ministry of Housing is set to strengthen its partnership with the Nigerian Society of Engineers, NSE, Awka Branch, to improve technical expertise and promote safe and sustainable construction across the state.
The Commissioner for Housing, Arc. Arize Henry, disclosed this on September 6 when the NSE Awka Branch delegation paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
Arize said the Ministry remained open to partnerships with professional bodies capable of contributing specialised knowledge to the state’s housing and construction sector.
He disclosed that the Ministry required experienced structural engineers for some of its projects and would engage qualified members of the NSE as consultants where necessary.
According to him, the collaboration would provide access to specialised technical expertise and ensure that construction projects are executed in accordance with engineering principles, professional standards and industry best practices.
The Commissioner also commended professionals in the engineering sector for their competence and professionalism, noting that he had maintained cordial relationships with some principal officers in the industry.
Earlier, the Chairman of NSE Awka Branch, Engr. Obiudu Michael, said the delegation visited to felicitate with the Commissioner on his appointment and discuss areas of collaboration between the society and the Ministry.
Obiudu described Arize as a “square peg in a square hole,” expressing confidence in his professional capacity to contribute to the advancement of the housing sector.
He said the NSE was made up of highly qualified professionals willing to deploy their expertise to the development of Anambra’s building and construction industry.
The NSE Chairman added that members of the society were researching innovative approaches aimed at reducing the rising cost of building construction, while expressing readiness to support initiatives promoting affordable, safe and sustainable housing.
The visit featured the presentation of a plaque and construction related kits to the Commissioner by the NSE delegation.
