1 week ago
The Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA) has cautioned property owners and developers in Aba against using unqualified contractors and urged them to strictly follow government-approved safety guidelines.
The warning from the Abia State government agency was issued on Tuesday in Umuozue, located within the Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area. The directive follows the recent collapse of a three-story building in the area, an incident in which construction workers narrowly escaped losing their lives.
During a meeting with the Non-Indigene Landlords’ Association in Umuozuo, Chinyere Ibegbulam, the District Town Planning Officer for Osisioma, emphasized the necessity of securing official approval prior to construction and outlined the dangers of violating building codes.
Ibegbulam clarified that initiating any construction project without proper government documentation and authorization is unlawful. She also stressed that hiring non-professionals for building projects constitutes a grave offense.
Furthermore, she cautioned that the state would impose strict penalties, including demolition, on any structures erected outside designated planning zones or deemed a threat to public safety. The agency reiterated that buildings constructed in unauthorized locations or managed by unqualified personnel are highly vulnerable to collapse.
Responding on behalf of the group, Kenechukwu Okeke, the Chairman of the Non-Indigenes Landlords’ Association, admitted that a significant number of their members were previously oblivious to the state's structural development regulations. However, he assured that the association would adhere to the government's directives moving forward.
Why It Matters
Building collapses represent a persistent and severe safety challenge across Nigeria, frequently resulting in significant casualties and property damage. Industry experts often attribute these disasters to the widespread use of substandard materials, a lack of professional oversight, and evasion of municipal planning regulations. As major commercial and urban centers in West Africa experience rapid expansion, local authorities face mounting pressure to strictly enforce zoning laws and structural integrity standards to prevent future tragedies.
English (US) ·