The Anambra State Government has demolished a partially collapsed three-storey building in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area, in what officials described as a preventive action aimed at averting further risks to lives and surrounding properties.
- +Anambra demolishes collapsed building, warns builders over safety violations
The exercise, carried out on Friday and led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, followed concerns over structural failure and regulatory breaches linked to the property.
The exercise, carried out on Friday and led by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, followed concerns over structural failure and regulatory breaches linked to the property.
Ojukwu said the decision was not intended as punishment but as a necessary step to enforce safety standards and prevent future disasters.
“The exercise is a measure aimed at strengthening compliance with building regulations and protection of lives and property,” Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Chijioke Ojukwu said.
He stressed that the government would not tolerate unsafe structures, particularly those that violate approved planning laws.
“This is a preventive measure aimed at averting future disasters rather than punishing the developer,” Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Chijioke Ojukwu said. “Unsafe and distressed structures would not be tolerated in the state.”
The building reportedly collapsed on May 18 while construction work was ongoing, though no casualties were recorded. Preliminary investigations attributed the incident to the use of substandard materials and poor construction practices, including premature block stacking and the use of unsuitable reinforcement materials.
During an inspection of the site prior to demolition, Ojukwu outlined multiple regulatory violations associated with the project.
“The project violated several building regulations, including the absence of approved permits, non-compliance with setback requirements, and excessive development beyond the capacity of the land,” Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Chijioke Ojukwu said.
He warned developers, contractors and property owners to strictly adhere to planning regulations, noting that enforcement efforts would be intensified across the state.
“This is a warning to developers, contractors, and property owners against ignoring established planning laws,” Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Chijioke Ojukwu said. “The ministry will intensify monitoring and enforcement across the state.”
Ojukwu added that the state government is reviewing existing laws to introduce stricter penalties for defaulters, including possible criminal sanctions.
“The government is reviewing existing laws to impose stricter sanctions on developers who fail to meet approved standards, with criminal penalties among measures being considered,” Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Chijioke Ojukwu said.
He further urged builders to engage qualified professionals and comply with all regulatory requirements, reaffirming the state’s commitment to urban renewal and infrastructure development projects, including ongoing initiatives in Nnewi.
