On August 31, 2023, Engr Uwem Akpan, Chairman NSE Uyo was a guest at XLFM 106.9 radio station in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State where he spoke on various issues affecting the state from collapse buildings to flood mitigation. he used the opportunity to mount campaign against Quackery in engineering practices.
During the interview, Engr Akpan highlight the importance of using qualified engineers for all construction projects. He warned that the use of quacks can lead to serious safety concerns, such as building collapses. He called on the government to crack down on quackery in the engineering profession.
Engr Akpan also spoke about the problem of flooding in Akwa Ibom State. He said that flooding is a major threat to the state’s infrastructure and economy. He called on the government to invest in flood control measures, such as dams and levees.
The interview also featured calls from listeners. One caller asked about the specifications and duration for road construction projects. Engr Akpan answered that the specifications and duration vary depending on the scope of the project. He said that it is important to consult with a qualified engineer to get the specific details for a particular project.
Another caller, Emmanuel from Uyo, said that it is often the government, not the contractor, that disrupts construction projects. Engr Akpan said that the government is doing well not to change the scope of a project . He said that the Government should as well adhere to the services of Engineers for quality service delivery.
Deborah, another caller, said that building collapses are a major problem in Nigeria. She called on the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to partner with the government to address this issue. Engr Akpan said that the NSE is already working with the government on this issue. He said that the NSE is also conducting public awareness campaigns to educate the public about the dangers of quackery.
The final caller, Joseph, said that there needs to be more public awareness about quackery and flooding. He called for seminars and workshops to be held to educate the public about these issues. Engr Akpan agreed, saying that public awareness is essential to fighting quackery and flooding.
By Engr, Patrick Andrew, Uyo Branch PRO