Alarmed by the recent spate of building collapses that continue to endanger residents, the Rivers State Government has formed a taskforce to curb the rising threat.
This initiative follows the collapse of a three-storey building under construction on Abacha Road in the GRA district of Port Harcourt on Friday. Fortunately, no lives were lost in this latest incident, which occurred only days after a similar collapse in Ogbogoro Community claimed one life and injured two others.
During an on-site inspection on Saturday, the Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, highlighted the urgent need for stricter enforcement of building standards.
“We are forming this taskforce to ensure developers strictly adhere to the state’s building regulations,” Bipi stated, emphasizing that all development sites will now face increased scrutiny to prevent further tragedies.
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Bipi accused the developer of the Abacha Road building of violating government-approved standards by using substandard materials in a waterlogged area.
He warned that the state would impose severe penalties on those flouting its Physical Planning Development Law, stressing that strict enforcement aims to deter future offenders.
Accompanying Bipi, Commissioner for Special Duties Dr. Samuel Anya suggested enacting legislation to punish negligent engineers with prison terms or substantial fines. This, he noted, could serve as a powerful deterrent against cutting corners that put lives at risk.
Surv. Wisdom Hebron, Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, echoed concerns over cost-cutting practices by developers, which frequently lead to structural defects and fatal consequences. The Ministry has since sealed the collapsed building’s premises and summoned the developer and engineer for a full investigation.
With heightened government intervention and rigorous penalties, Rivers State aims to ensure stricter compliance with construction standards, safeguarding lives and enhancing public safety.