The Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has begun a 4 day intensive training for engineers supervising various projects for the Ministry.
The training is on highways’ materials, geometrics, quality control tests and application of tests results in pavement structural design, geometric design and bridge design.
Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training workshop which took place at the Pavement Evaluation Unit of the Ministry located at Sheda, Federal Capital Territory Abuja, the Director Overseeing the Office of the Permanent Secretary, Engineer Chukwunwike Uzo said the training was meant to keep the Ministry’s engineers abreast of necessary knowledge that will enable them effectively supervise contractors handling the Ministry’s projects deliver quality work to the country.
He noted that when an Engineer is knows his onions; the contractor will not be able to play around his intelligence. He emphasized the need for an Engineer to be sound such that he will be able to work in any part of the world, stressing the need for engineers to be able to interpret test results and determine the appropriate application.
Engr Uzo, who was represented by the Director Highways materials, geotechnics and quality control, Engineer Osita Ezedozie, enjoined staff to make the best use of the training opportunity to enhance their productivity on the job.
He assured that the Ministry would continue to provide staff with the necessary incentives to bring out the best in them, adding that subsequent training programmes would be better.
In his address, the Director Highways Design and Road construction, Engineer Omotayo Awosanya praised the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for prioritizing Infrastructural development and called on the engineers of the Ministry to ensure that Nigerians get quality roads that correspond with the quantum of funds being invested in the Ministry.
Engr. Awosanya warned against giving approval for test results of materials without checking properly to ensure that the right quality had been met, reminding the participants that Nigerians are looking up to the Ministry for Quality roads and advised them to avoid anything that will bring them to disrepute.
On his part the Federal Controller of Works in Abia State, Engineer Bede Obioha advised engineers to always be on site on time so that they can adequately supervise the job being done as the contractors will not wait for them before embarking on their work
A cross section of the participants interviewed expressed gratitude to the Honourable Minister Mr. Babatunde Fashola and management staff of the Ministry for organising the training which they said would surely enhance their performance on the job.
Some of the topics to be discussed at the training workshop are: geotechnical investigation and road condition survey; poor soil conditions and applicable measures to overcome them, general principles of effective management and control of rehabilitation and construction project sites and deep soil investigation and application to bridge.
Participants are drawn from staff of Headquarters and state offices of the Ministry across the country.
