The Rivers State Government has issued a strong warning to developers against the use of substandard materials in construction projects following the recent collapse of a three-story building under construction in the Iriebe area of Obio/Akpor Local Government. The state government has initiated an investigation to determine the cause of the collapse.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, inspected the collapse site on Wednesday, accompanied by officials from the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority and Ministry directors. He confirmed that although no lives were lost in the early morning collapse on Tuesday, October 29, 2024, he urged developers to prioritize safety and avoid compromising quality by cutting corners.
“It is unfortunate that the building lacked the necessary government approval essential for ensuring structural integrity and safety,” Bipi stated. He expressed gratitude that no casualties occurred but emphasized the need to investigate the engineer involved and identify the building’s owner before determining the next steps.
Bipi noted that the structure’s failure might be linked to the use of substandard materials, particularly concerning cement-sand ratios that do not meet safety standards. “This engineer’s negligence is putting lives at risk. Standards must be maintained, as evidenced by the poor quality materials here,” he asserted.
The commissioner also reminded property owners and developers to secure government-approved building plans to facilitate regular inspections, ensuring compliance with structural and safety regulations. He emphasized the state’s commitment to reducing incidents of structural failure through more rigorous oversight and enforcement.
In the meantime, the collapsed building site has been sealed by the state government, pending the outcome of a joint investigation by the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority. This investigation aims to address the underlying issues in the building industry and restore standards across the state.
