Building Collapse: Delta Govt Seals 15 Buildings in Asaba

The Delta Government, has sealed off 15 buildings in Asaba to reduce incidences of building collapse in the state.

This is contained in a statement issued on Wednesday in Asaba by Mr Chidi Nwuko, Chairman, Delta State Taskforce on Operation Show Your Building Plan.

He said developers of the sealed buildings failed to tender approved building plans within the stipulated time given to them or had none at all.

Nwuko said the enforcement became necessary to stem the tide of building collapse, protect the environment and ensure adherence to proper planning.

Recall that on September 12, a storey building under construction in Asaba collapsed, leaving one person dead and four critically injured.

Also, at Ughelli a boy identified as Gbenga who just finished his West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE), was knocked down by a collapsing fence along Damure street in Ughelli, killing him instantly.

In Okpanam, Oshimili North Local Government Area of the state, a fire fighter, Ben Aladino and family members narrowly escaped death in their apartment when an overhead water tank collapsed on their living room.

The chairman urged property developers to abide by the laws guiding property development to prevent building collapse.

“It became necessary to nip in the bud the recurrence of construction collapse that could have been as a result of lack of approved building plan. Some of the standard procedures in land and property development is to obtain approved building plan and permit, complying with approved building plan and documenting same with relevant authorities prior to development. Such compliance will help eliminate building or construction collapses capable of causing wanton damage and in extreme cases, lives”.

Nwuko urged land and property developers embarking on any form of development to as a matter of responsibility adhere strictly to standard procedures.

While commending property developers who follow due process, he frowned at those who flagrantly disregard them, warning that the law would catch up with them.