The Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers has raised concerns over the growing number of quacks posing as surveyors and general property managers in the real estate industry. The Abia State branch of the institution expressed their concerns during the Valuers Day celebration in the State capital, Umuahia. According to the Abia State Chairman of the institution, Ucheibe Austin, real estate business in the country, especially in Abia State, is facing a number of challenges due to unwholesome practices by unqualified persons who know nothing about the industry.
Austin explained that many property owners in the country have made the mistake of engaging the services of quacks, which has led to the collapse of buildings, duping of interested property investors, and failed inland roads in housing estates. He called on the Abia State Government to help in tackling the menace of quacks in the real estate industry in the State.
The surveyors advised the outgoing and incoming administrations in Abia to partner with the institution in every infrastructural project. The Abia State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, Francis Onwuchuruba, identified the institution's members as key partners to the State Government in the initiation and development of various housing and general land projects in the State. He commended them for maintaining standards and advised them to put more effort into checkmating quack operators in the industry.
The surveyors also marched round some major roads in Umuahia during the celebration, using the opportunity to warn residents, especially property owners, against patronizing quacks. They reiterated that the institution of surveyors and valuers is in the business of providing quality services and appealed to the Abia State Government to support their efforts to tackle the issue of quackery in the industry.
The Commissioner regretted the damage done by the estate surveying and valuation industry by quacks, calling for more collaborations between the government and the institution. He also advised the institution to work together with the government to address the challenges facing the industry, particularly the issue of quackery.
The Abia State branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers is determined to tackle the issue of quackery in the industry, which has led to a number of challenges in the real estate business. The institution is urging property owners and investors to be cautious when engaging the services of surveyors and valuers and to always verify their credentials before making any commitments.