Anambra Demolishes Collapsed Building, Cracks Down on Illegal Construction

By Ndife David, Umuoji

The Anambra State Government has demolished a three-storey building that collapsed while under construction in Umuoji, Idemili North Local Government Area, reaffirming its commitment to enforcing building regulations and safeguarding lives and property.

The demolition, carried out by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, followed technical assessments which declared the structure unsafe and a potential danger to residents and adjoining properties.

Speaking during an inspection of the site, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, said the action was in line with Governor Chukwuma Soludo’s urban renewal agenda and the state’s determination to ensure strict compliance with approved building standards.

According to the commissioner, the demolition was not intended as a punishment for the developer but as a proactive measure to prevent future disasters. He stressed that the government would not tolerate distressed or unsafe structures capable of endangering public safety.

The building, located in Umuoma Village, reportedly collapsed on May 18 while construction work was ongoing. Fortunately, no lives were lost in the incident.

Preliminary investigations by relevant authorities linked the collapse to poor construction practices and the use of substandard materials. Findings indicated that blocks were stacked before proper curing and that inappropriate reinforcement materials were used during construction.

Barr. Ojukwu further disclosed that the project violated several building regulations, including the absence of approved building permits, non-compliance with mandatory setback requirements, and excessive development beyond the capacity of the site.

He warned developers, contractors, and property owners against flouting planning laws, noting that the ministry would intensify monitoring, inspections, and enforcement activities across the state.

The commissioner also revealed that the state government is reviewing existing laws to introduce stiffer penalties for developers who violate approved standards, with criminal sanctions among the measures under consideration.

He urged stakeholders in the construction industry to engage qualified professionals and adhere strictly to regulatory requirements, while reiterating the government’s commitment to sustainable urban development and ongoing regeneration projects across Anambra State, including major infrastructure initiatives in Nnewi.