A member representing Mangu Bokkos Federal Constituency of Plateau state Hon. Solomon Bulus Maren has urged stakeholders in the building sector to develop a master plan that would include expiry date for roads in Nigeria.
“In the last 3years, we have been constructing, and reconstructing without having a long-term infrastructure in place but rather wasting money and running into billions of naira. We should have an expiry period for our roads so we can be able to manage whatever resources we have.”
Maren said this Tuesday during a three days conference with the theme; ‘construction practices in Nigeria: issues, prospects and solutions’ organised by the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute (NBRRI) in Abuja.
He further said, stakeholders at the conference should deliberate judiciously on the issues, adding that, “infrastructure is the bedrock of every developing society, therefore federal government needs to pay more attention on Nigeria’s infrastructural issues.”
Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Science and Technology, Mr Bitrus Bako Nabasu said the federal government should commit to addressing the challenges in the construction industry.
He said the construction industry was vibrant and characterised by continuous change mainly due to fluctuating dynamics of the economy which influences the socio-economic, physical and psychological needs of average Nigerian.
“The industry though fast growing is faced with lot of challenges and it is yet to attain the desired optional levels in spite of efforts and funds committed to it.
“The theme this year is apt as it will address critical issues and challenges in the industry and proffer solutions that will enhance performance relevance, innovativeness and drive a robust environment to fast track socio economic development in the country,”Nabasu said.
He said the conference would ultimately help in addressing some of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) specifically goal number nine which addresses the issue of infrastructure and innovation.
Nabasu however urged the institute not to rest on its oars but strive harder towards addressing other critics issues that are begging for solutions in the built environment of the economy.
The Acting Director General of NBRRI, Prof Samson Duna appealed to the federal government to deliberately explore alternative and innovative ways of making, large scale housing stock delivery program that are achievable within a short period.
” The houses should be cost effective, qualitative, healthy when in use and hinged on NDH concepts.
” This could be considered in housing programmes especially in IDP centres and emergency situation across the country,” he said.