Abia Govt Makes Soil, Geotechnical Tests Mandatory Before Building Approval to Curb Building Collapse

The Abia State Government has made soil and geotechnical testing a mandatory requirement for obtaining building permits across the state capital.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti. He said all developers must henceforth present valid soil and geotechnical test certificates before building approvals are granted.

Prince Kanu explained that the policy is aimed at ensuring that buildings are designed and constructed in line with the soil’s bearing capacity, thereby providing strong foundations, preventing building collapse, and safeguarding lives and property.

The Commissioner also announced that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has intensified the desilting of open drainage channels across the Umuahia metropolis to mitigate flooding during the rainy season.

According to him, the exercise is ongoing in areas including Shoprite–Uwalaka, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church along Ndume Ibeku Road, Finbars Road, Adelabu Street, and other flood-prone locations.

Prince Kanu further revealed that the State Government is undertaking a comprehensive review of some markets within the capital city, including the Ogwumabiri Market in Ossah, with a view to upgrading them and, where necessary, relocating them to more suitable locations.

He also announced that relief is on the way for residents of Emede Ibeku Community, as Governor Alex Otti has approved measures by the UCDA to address the community’s long-standing erosion challenge.

The Commissioner added that the tendering process for the proposed Umuahia Pocket Estate Layout has been concluded, while the list of successful contractors will be released ahead of the commencement of the project.

He further disclosed that work is progressing steadily at the Green City Site and Services Estate in Obehie, Ukwa West Local Government Area, where perimeter fencing has been completed and road construction is already in progress.

Responding to questions from journalists on the recent building collapse in Umuahia and similar incidents in the past, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, said the panel set up to investigate the incident would soon submit its report, which would be made public.

Mr. Agomuo stated that the government has introduced several measures to reduce the incidence of building collapse, including the establishment of a Structural Integrity Testing Laboratory.

He disclosed that the UCDA had identified several buildings with structural defects and had sealed a two-storey building on Crowther Street as well as the building on Finbars Road that later collapsed.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the government would henceforth take decisive action against owners of collapsed buildings and structures that fail to meet approved standards. He noted that the building which collapsed along Finbars Road had been sealed by the authorities two weeks before the incident occurred.