Anambra tightens regulations to curb building collapse

In response to the frequent collapse of buildings, the Anambra State government, through the State Physical Planning Board, has launched an ‘Operation Show Your Building Permit’ initiative and commenced the demolition of illegal structures across the state.

The Chairman and Managing Director of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, Chike Maduekwe, stated that the exercise became necessary to prevent the increasing incidents of building collapse in the state.

Maduekwe made this known while speaking to journalists during the demolition of illegal structures at Ogbo-Oroma, off Port-Harcourt Road in Onitsha South Local Government Area, on Friday.

During the demolition, he revealed that the state suspended all ongoing building developments and issued several directives to developers to present their building permits.

He said, “Many people are taking the state government for granted by constructing buildings without permits. Often, they avoid obtaining permits either because the land is in dispute or they lack the proper documents.

“A few days ago, our staff were harassed and threatened by various thugs while on an official assignment and were chased away.

“Mr Governor has made it clear that we will no longer allow anyone to intimidate any government official, and we want to send a message to developers: please do not think the government is not serious.

“The government is responsible for the welfare of the people, and developers must now operate according to the law. Any building started without approval will be demolished because there have been sufficient warnings and messages to the public, but they have continued to ignore them,” he said.

He further explained that the state has commenced the exercise and will move to several locations, noting that there will be significant enforcement this week as directed by the governor.

The ASPPB Chairman stated that government regulations on buildings clearly state that “you cannot construct anything in this state without approval. If you do, it will be demolished.”

He stressed that the cost of demolition is high and that the government has instructed that any defaulter will be arrested and charged in court. A grace period from 1 August to 31 October has been given, during which penalties will not be applied.