Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers have raised the alarm on the invasion of the real estate industry by quacks masquerading as surveyors and general property managers.
This alarm was raised by the Abia State branch of the institution in Umuahia during the celebration of Valuers Day in the State.
The institution, which spoke through Abia State Chairman, Ucheibe Austin, lamented that real estate business in the country, especially in Abia State was facing the challenges of unwholesome practices by unqualified persons who go about playing in a field they know nothing about.
He lamented that many property owners in the country made the mistakes of engaging the services of the quacks, which in some cases, resulted in collapse of buildings, duping of interested property investors, failed inland roads in housing estates.
Austin who made it clear that the institution of surveyors and valuers is in the business of providing quality services, appealed to the Abia State Government to help them in tackling the menace of quacks in real estate industry in the State.
The surveyors advised the outgoing and incoming administrations in Abia to partner with the institution in every infrastructural projects.
Abia State Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Urban Planning, Francis Onwuchuruba, identified the members of the institution as key partners to the Abia State Government in initiation and development of various housing and general land projects in the State.
The Commissioner, who commended them for maintaining standard, advised them to put more efforts in checkmating quack operators in the industry.
He regretted the damage done by the estate surveying and valuation industry by quacks.
The surveyors, who marched round some major roads in Umuahia during the celebration, used the opportunity to warn residents, especially property owners against patronizing quacks.