Amid growing debate over construction safety following the collapse of sections of the newly built National Highway (NH) 66 in the northern Kerala, an old social media post by a construction vlogger has attracted renewed attention.

Abdul Latheef, a Malappuram native and popular vlogger who runs the YouTube channel ‘All Round Constructions,’ had raised doubts on November 29 last year about the structural integrity of the highway’s retaining walls. Sharing photos on Facebook, he questioned the engineering technique used, asking: “Can such height stand on a single block’s width?”

After the highway collapse incidents, Latheef’s old post has garnered attention. Many users have praised him for raising the alarm early, while mainstream media outlets have also picked up on his concerns.

While Latheef’s post has triggered a wide public conversation on infrastructure safety and quality control, professional opinions differ on whether his concerns were scientifically sound. Several engineers and construction professionals have refuted the notion that the retaining wall construction was faulty. They explained that the method used is a globally accepted standard. The retaining wall method—called the Reinforced Earth Wall—was defended by engineers as a stable technique widely used around the world. They highlighted its design features, including geo grids, interlocking blocks, and compacted soil. Professionals also cited successful examples from Gulf and Indian highways, stressing that the construction followed standard safety practices. Some added that, despite best efforts, accidents can still occur due to factors beyond control.

From field labour to digital spotlight

Latheef is known online as the only YouTuber who “earns livelihood by (physical toll) working,” celebrated for identifying faulty and unresolvable construction projects, fixing them successfully, and sharing the processes for public learning. He often films construction activities using a mobile camera and shares them across social platforms to aid others involved in physically demanding construction jobs.

The Facebook video series under ‘All Round Constructions’ was born from Latheef’s idea that such content could benefit hardworking labourers. Many of his techniques were learned during his time as an expatriate in the Gulf, and he now applies those methods locally, earning widespread popularity for his humorous and relatable presentation style.