By Chukwuka Ugokwe
Anambra State Government says it will conduct structural integrity test on commercial buildings within Oko/Amaokpala communities in Orumba North Local Government Area to forestall building collapse.
The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Bar Chijioke Ojukwu, stated this on Monday, July 27, while speaking with newsmen at the scene of a building collapse in Amaokpala.
He said the measure has become necessary following the unfortunate incident that happened in the area, where a three storey hostel collapsed, killing unidentified number of the occupants.
Ojukwu, who attributed the cause of the incident to structural defects, explained that the area was targeted because of high rate of building collapse recorded in recent times.
“Since the owner of the building noticed defects, the normal thing should have been to notify the authorities for integrity test.
“We are going to subject the whole commercial buildings in the area to integrity test at the cost of the owners. And anyone which does not meet the integrity test will be pulled down”
The Commissioner further disclosed that, henceforth, the state government would acquire any land on which any building collapsed, advising people to always comply with building regulations as enshrined in the physical planning laws.
