Quantity surveyors’ new measurement standard begins in 2017

Members of the Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS) have launched a measurement standard for measurement of buildings and engineering works that is expected to come into force in May 2017.

Speaking at a training workshop in Abuja, NIQS President, Mrs. Mercy Iyortyer said the institute has already put in motion the process of developing software with the standard known for ease of use by members.

She disclosed that BESMM4 would replace BESMM3 as the official Standard Method of Measurement of Works to be used with conditions of Engagement and Consultancy Services Agreement to be approved and directed by the Quantity Surveyors Registration Board of Nigeria (QSRBN).

She observed that the workshop is aimed at providing training on a measurement standard that is in line with the current trend in construction and contract procurement, adding that only BESMM4 would be admitted for use on measurement papers for both Graduateship (GDE) and Test of Professional Competence (TPC) Examinations.

The NIQS President recalled that BESMM3 published by the institute in 2008 has been officially recognized standard method of measurement for use in Nigeria till date.

According to her, some errors in text and context were noted in the document which necessitated correction by removal of unnecessary features, inserting omissions, rearrangement of content and incorporating additional rules deemed necessary to enable the document serve its purpose more effectively.

She pointed out that all these shortfalls have been addressed in BESMM4 and urged the NIQS National Executive Council   to sensitize members on its usage and relevance to total cost management of construction and engineering works.

Iyortyer observed that the BESMM4 is user-friendly hence, the need for participants to develop the capacity to apply the provisions of BESMM4 efficiently.