Oyo gov’t tasks block moulders to regulate operations

The Oyo State government has tasked the National Association of Block Moulders of Nigeria (NABMON) to comply with requirements stipulated by the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), to prevent building collapse.

The Honourable Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, who stated this on Wednesday during the inauguration ceremony of newly elected state officers of the Association in Ibadan, described block moulders as critical stakeholders in construction works.

Olatunbosun stressed that the State government has zero tolerance for building collapse, adding that block moulders are essential in the development of a state.

“We identify with you, because we are aware that blocks are essential components in building which, if not professionally done to standard, could cause great havoc like building collapse”, the Commissioner said.

He said that it was imperative for the Association to strengthen the already existing relationship with the Oyo State Government, as challenges would be identified in the interest of the safety of lives and properties of residents in the State.

The Honourable Commissioner therefore assured the association that the State Government will support members of the Association, to boost their businesses.

Olatunbosun appealed to members of the association to ensure that their activities are properly regulated, as stipulated in the Building and Civil Engineering materials Law of the State Government.

Berating the high cost of materials such as cements, Olatunbosun however called on the Federal Government to see to the high cost of cement, which in turn is affecting the standard of living of residents.

In his contribution, the National President of NABMON, Prince Adesegun Banjoko bemoaned the rate at which building owners engage the services of quacks to mould blocks for them.

He therefore stressed that such practice cannot guarantee quality, as basic professional processes cannot be adhered to by the quacks.

Also speaking at the event, the State Chairman NABMON, Alhaji Kareem Adewale urged the Oyo State Government to partner with the association in its sensitisation campaign, where members of the public would be enlightened on the dangers of patronising unapproved block moulding industries as well as the need to insist in quality blocks.

He said the Association is set to deal with errant members, who fail to follow the guidelines given to them by Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON) in moulding quality blocks.