Anambra Govt. Takes StepsTo Check Incessant Building Collapse
Anambra State Government says it has mapped out series of measures to check incessant building collapse.
Chairman of Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Barrister Chike Maduekwe, disclosed this at the Board’s Headquarters in Amawbia.
Barrister Maduekwe pointed out that government has found the recent spate of building collapse worrisome and is taking immediate actions to prevent further incidents.
He intimated that henceforth, all ongoing construction projects must undergo re-certification, where developers are required to bring their approval documents for revalidation.
The board emphasized that the move does not in any way imply revocation of existing permits, but rather, a validation process to ensure compliance.
He further declared that developers must provide a seven days prior notice before commencing construction, and cautioned that failure to do so will result in the project being deemed illegal and liable for demolition.
Other measures announced by the state government through the board include: Non-Destructive testing, (NDT), for buildings with structural integrity issues; mandatory soil investigation reports for buildings above two floors, hiring of professional consultants to monitor construction sites; intensified statutory stage inspections and signing of stage certification forms.
He also listed other requirements to include recertification of abandoned buildings before recommencement of construction, cancellation of overnight stays in buildings under construction, and no work beyond seven o’clock in the evening, compulsory insurance for developers and professionals as well as presentation of professional indemnity insurance by professionals.
The board equally announced an amnesty period for developers for what it tagged “Operation Show Your Building Permit,” which takes effect from August 1 to October 31, 2024, expressing optimism that it would help property owners to regularize their building plans, failure of which will result in stiff penalties.
Answering questions from journalists, the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Material Testing Laboratory, Engineer Ebosie Ezeoke, noted Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s concern about the recent unfortunate incidents of building collapse in the state.
Engineer Ebosie assured that with these measures and more in place, full compliance will be achieved with its attendant significant reduction in building collapses in the near future in Anambra.
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