The Anambra State Government has demolished a three-storey building that collapsed while under construction in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area, warning developers and contractors to comply strictly with building regulations or face stiffer penalties.
The demolition, carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, followed technical assessments which declared the structure unsafe and a potential danger to nearby residents and properties.
Speaking during an inspection of the site, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Chijioke Ojukwu, said the action was in line with the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and ensuring orderly urban development through strict enforcement of approved building standards.
According to him, the demolition was not intended as punishment for the developer but as a preventive measure to avert future disasters.
“We cannot allow distressed and unsafe structures to remain standing because of the risks they pose to lives and property,” Ojukwu said.
The building, located in Umuoma Village, collapsed on May 18 while construction work was ongoing.
Although no lives were lost in the incident, government officials described the collapse as a warning sign of the dangers associated with non-compliance with approved construction practices.
Preliminary investigations by the ministry reportedly traced the collapse to the use of substandard materials and poor construction methods, including the stacking of blocks before adequate curing and the use of inappropriate reinforcement materials.
Violation of planning regulations
Ojukwu further revealed that the project violated several planning regulations, including failure to obtain the necessary building approvals, disregard for prescribed setback requirements, and excessive development beyond the capacity of the site.
He warned that the ministry would intensify monitoring and enforcement activities across the state to ensure compliance with planning laws and building standards.
The commissioner disclosed that the government is reviewing relevant laws with a view to introducing tougher sanctions for developers who compromise safety standards, adding that criminal penalties are among the measures under consideration.
He urged property owners and developers to engage qualified professionals and adhere strictly to regulatory requirements throughout the construction process.
Reaffirming the state’s commitment to sustainable urban development, Ojukwu said the government would continue to pursue urban regeneration initiatives and critical infrastructure projects across Anambra, including major developments planned for Nnewi.
The demolition marks the latest effort by the state government to curb building failures and strengthen public confidence in construction safety and urban planning regulations.
