Following the recent collapse of a three-storey building in the Rumuolumeni area of Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, the Rivers State Government has officially declared a "zero-tolerance" policy regarding building code violations.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Hon. Amairigha Edward Hart, confirmed that the government is intensifying its enforcement of structural integrity and safety standards across all active construction sites in the state.
Why the Stricter Enforcement?
The move comes in response to rising concerns over the frequency of structural failures in the state. During an on-site inspection of the collapsed Rumuolumeni structure, Hon. Hart identified three primary culprits driving these incidents:
Incompetent Supervision: A lack of professional engineering oversight during construction.
Substandard Materials: The use of inferior materials that compromise the building's stability.
Unauthorized Deviations: Developers exceeding their approved building plans often by adding extra floors without official clearance.
What This Means for Developers & Residents
The Ministry is now deploying dedicated monitoring teams to carry out both routine and unscheduled inspections across the state. The Commissioner issued a stern warning to developers, contractors, and property owners:
Immediate Sanctions: Any project found violating state building regulations or operating without valid approval will face immediate sealing and strict legal action.
Compliance is Mandatory: The Ministry is mandating strict adherence to approved building plans and structural specifications.
Identification: The state is actively working to identify owners of properties that fail to meet safety standards, emphasizing that ignorance or "unidentified" status will not exempt them from the law.
Public Safety Call
The government is urging residents to remain vigilant. If you notice construction activities that appear unsafe, lack proper signage, or seem to deviate from standard professional practices, you are encouraged to report these concerns to the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
"We are committed to weeding out those who put the lives of our people at risk," Hon. Hart stated. "This is not just about regulation; it is about saving lives and ensuring that the Garden City remains safe for everyone."
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