The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV),Abia State Branch, has concluded its 2021 Mandatory Continuing Professional Development (MPCD), workshop, with a call for Government to make urgent laws that will control gas emissions in Nigeria.
Branch Chairman,ESV Ucheibe Augustine
Speaking at the annual event held at the Wonderland Event Centre, Umuahia, the Branch Chairman,NIESV,Abia state branch, ESV Ucheibe Augustine, said the there is need for government to also encourage tree and grass planting, to help reduce, mitigate the adverse effects of climate change on the people, which is already posing dangers on real estate practice, as well as, the health of the people.
Augustine said the theme of the 2021 MCPD tagged “Developing Strategies To Mitigate The Effect of Climate Change On Real Estate Practice In Nigeria”, is apt, as it would expose members to the dangers stirring them on the face and the strategies they need to take to reduce the adverse effects of climate change.
According to him, Nigeria’s carbon emissions are among the highest in the world, after China and India, stating that the case is well understandable given the economic reliance on fossil fuels such as coal,oil and natural gas, hence the need to develop means of containing the effect.
The Branch chairman revealed that President Muhammadu Buhari had assured that Nigeria would set up processes to attempt the reduction of carbon emissions by 20% by the year 2030 and with possible rise to 47% if she gets aids.
ESV Augustine further stated that global warming as a result of increase in the emission of greenhouse gases (GHG), has recently led to changes in weather patterns/climate.
He also disclosed the need for people to protect the land, air and waters, adding that if we allow climate change to go the way it is going, soon the earth would be eroded.
Augustine said emphasis should be laid on tree planting, stressing that government should improve our railway lines since it has the capacity of conveying large passengers which would help to reduce the rate people use private cars, thereby cut down on fuel usage.
In their separate lectures, Dr Stan Okeahialem and Dr Oluchi Diala, disclosed that all hands must be on deck to mitigate the effects of climate change,which according to them have caused sea rising, flooding, landslides, wildfires, desertification among others.
They advocated for trees and grasses to be planted regularly, since they take in carbon dioxide for living, thereby reducing the carbon in the atmosphere.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Housing, Elder Chinagorom Nwankpa, while commending the association for coming together to create the awareness on the dangers facing humanity, urged them not to deviate from the tenets of their profession as to make a value impact in the society.
Elder Nwankpa extolled the Governor of Abia state, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, for his commitment in the provision of security and promotion of Made In Aba goods,which has stamped the State on the global map.
He said that without a peaceful atmosphere where security of lives and property is guaranteed,it would not have been possible for the Estate Surveyors and Valuers to choose Abia for their Workshop.
The Housing boss, however, expressed the readiness of his ministry to partner with the association, inorder to achieve the desired goal of the Ministry.
He urged them to always support the Governor of the day and his bid to develop Abia State and wish the Surveyors a happy stay and God’s protection, promising to carry the association along in his administration, as well as, support them in their programmes.
Also, the Chairman on the occasion, Eze Elect Jude Arukwe, lamented some of the effect of climate change on real estate practice, according to him,paints, roofing sheets,as well as other building materials do not last long any more, due to ozone layer depletion, occasioned by climate change.
Elder Chinagorom Nwankpa
Arukwe stated that painting flakes more frequently now than before.According to him, a painting that is suppose to stay for five years now stay for just two years,while a corrugated iron sheet that last up to 20 to 25 years before rusting away,dont last up to 15 years any more.
He maintained that if gas emissions are reduced and tree planting are encouraged, then the damages on the ozone layer would be reduced.
In his opinion, the Chairman Planning Committee for the 2021 MCPD, High Chief Toni Ururuka, said its high time for surveyors to take its pride of place in building, adding that if professionals are employed into building, then there would be accurate facility management.
High Chief Toni Ururuka, Committee Chairman
According to him, government, professionals and the people have to come together to work in tandem.”The town planners that approve building plans should consider the adverse climate change effect, as well, the site engineers have to consider the site to ensure its not flood prone, while the estate surveyors have to ensure the building is properly managed. A generating plant should be installed in all building projects to avoid the multiple usage of generating set that emit gases”.
