Following the recent collapse of a three-storey building under construction on Abacha Road in Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Government has announced a strict plan to seal off all unauthorized and poorly constructed structures across the state.
The collapse on Friday, which fortunately resulted in no casualties, marks the second such incident within a week. Just days earlier, another three-storey building under construction in Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, collapsed, claiming one life and injuring two others.
In response, the state government has established a task force to address the increasing frequency of building collapses and enhance public safety. The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, visited the site of the recent collapse, where he confirmed the property would be sealed off pending further investigations.
Bipi disclosed that the task force will conduct inspections across construction sites statewide to ensure adherence to building laws and regulations, holding developers accountable for non-compliance. He attributed the collapse to violations of approved building plans and the use of substandard materials, specifically highlighting the construction of the structure on unsuitable, waterlogged land.
“I strongly advise Rivers State residents planning construction to consult the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development for guidance and approval before beginning their projects,” Bipi said. “Our ministry will assist in determining the feasibility of building structures, particularly high-rise buildings, and will enforce compliance with state regulations.”
The Commissioner emphasized that developers who ignore these guidelines and compromise safety will face serious consequences, as the government aims to prevent further loss of life and property.
