Lafarge, NSE partner to promote best practices in construction industry

In furtherance of its commitment towards enhancing global best practices in the application of its products, Lafarge Africa Plc has partnered the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) to build the capacity of stakeholders on best practices in the application of the product for construction.

Indeed, the Lafarge explained that while it has continued to explore innovative solutions through product development, efforts are being sustained to ensure that such solutions are not misapplied and abused.

Speaking at a technical session and capacity building programme for engineers in Ibadan, Oyo State, Country Head, Infrastructure and Key Accounts, Lafarge Africa, Mike Fisher emphasised the need for Nigerian professionals to adopt best practices in the construction industry.

According to him, adhering to specified requirements is key in the construction industry, adding that durability and return on investments should equally be assessed when considering infrastructural development.

“We are not commodity traders but solutions providers as we continually engage stakeholders across the spectrum and at various stages of project development. One of the areas we are addressing is the environment where the products are being applied. Sulphates and chlorides attacks are being addressed using innovative solutions in our products”, he added.

On his part, General Manager, Independent Power Projects, Lafarge Africa, Lanre Opakunle, explained that the company is exploring new solutions to meet the needs of the environment.

“We consider engineers as a major stakeholder in the construction industry and that is why we are engaging them on how best to apply our products. The construction industry is evolving and various factors are being considered when erecting a structure. The social impact, energy conservation, concrete requirements, lifespan, exposure to environment are some of the major issues being considered today.

“Our research and development centre is exploring new products to meet some environmental needs. We are also improving the emissions from the use of the product with a view to addressing health and safety issues. Adopting best practices is expected to aid long term cost saving measures and sustainability rather than going through short cuts”, he added.

Technical Secretary, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) Ibadan branch, Adekunle Olaoye noted that the capacity building initiative will further address the challenges in the construction industry.

“Cement is an engineering material and its application needs to be addressed. Various issues need to be addressed through effective capacity building for stakeholders”, he added.