Lagos to intensify sensitisation against quacks parading as materials test laboratory
The Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory Agency (LSMTL) is set to commence aggressive advocacy to eradicate quackery and curb sharp practices, as part of stringent measures to check subpar performance within the built sector. The General Manager of LSMTL, Engr. Olayinka Abdul, who disclosed this on Saturday during a workshop to upskill consultant partners in regulating building and construction materials across the State, stated that all efforts will be mobilised in creating awareness for Lagos residents to conduct their tests at only accredited Laboratories registered as the Agency’s affiliates. While urging officials of the Agency to intensify advocacy across all Media outlets to avert the open hawking of concrete, steel and soil tests on the streets, the General Manager suggested that such deliberations be extended to E-commerce platforms, being part of recommendations by members of Council For the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN). Still speaking, Engr. Abdul averred “This training is to charge Engineering professionals to work more on preserving the ethics and legacies of their profession. Thus, I implore you via this medium to exude professionalism and avoid results falsification, results misrepresentation or create fast-track results to please clients at the detriment of the durability of the building’s structural integrity as well as the credibility of the Engineering profession”. “Stay in your lane as Technical Consultants. Yours is to state the results of the tests and advise the client to give such laboratory feedback to a Structural Engineer who will analyse it for them. You are expected to diagnose, let the experts analyse the symptoms and disease as it affects the structure”, she added. Engr Abdul underscores the critical role LSMTL plays as a citadel of Engineering Education with tertiary institutions like the Lagos State University (LASU) and the Lagos State University of Science and Technology (LASUSTECH), to embark on research-based operations that will empower professionals, solve real-life problems as soil topography and town development to curb mediocrity in all its forms. The General Manager emphasised that there was a need for professionals to conduct all statutory tests using appropriate gadgets for accurate readings that will guide the construction of structures that will stand the test of time. The highlight of the occasion was the presentation of certificates of participation to participants at the interactive session.