In response to a second building collapse within one week, the Rivers State Government has established a task force to enforce building regulations and ensure public safety. The latest incident occurred Friday evening when a three-storey building under construction collapsed in the Abacha Road area of Port Harcourt’s new Government Reservation Area. Thankfully, no lives were lost in this incident, but it came just five days after a similar collapse in Ogbogoro Community, Obio/Akpor LGA, which resulted in one fatality and two injuries.
Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, announced the formation of the task force during an on-site inspection of the collapse on Abacha Road. He ordered the construction site to be sealed and highlighted the task force’s mandate to monitor construction sites across the state, ensuring strict adherence to building laws to prevent future incidents.
Bipi attributed the collapse to severe violations of the approved building plan, accusing the developer of using substandard materials in a waterlogged area, which is unsuitable for a three-storey structure. He stated, “I would advise all Rivers State residents who intend to build to visit the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development to process their building plans and obtain the necessary approvals. The ministry will guide you on whether a three-storey or two-storey building is feasible.”
Bipi warned that developers who ignore building regulations would face strict penalties, adding, “We have sealed off this building. Those who fail to comply will be made examples of.”
The Commissioner further criticized the use of inadequate materials, pointing out, “Look at the type of rods they used — how can you use 12 mm rods for a three-storey building in a waterlogged area? Besides sealing the site, we have summoned the property owner and the engineer. Why are people cutting corners? Why not use the correct materials?”
Dr. Samuel Anya, Commissioner for Special Duties, joined Bipi on the inspection and suggested that the government might enact legislation imposing prison sentences or heavy fines on engineers and developers found guilty of using substandard materials. Anya emphasized that such measures would discourage unsafe construction practices and protect the lives of workers and the public.
