The Edo State Government has condemned the use of substandard materials in the construction of a two-storey building that collapsed while under construction on Gospel Avenue, off Adesuwa Road, in Oredo Local Government Area.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Vincent Uwadiae, who visited the site of the incident, ordered the immediate sealing of the property and warned developers against erecting buildings without approval or using inferior construction materials.
Uwadiae expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in the collapse.
“Let me first thank God that no worker was on site when the building collapsed. Had it occurred while workers were present, the casualties could have been enormous,” he said.
According to the commissioner, the building did not receive approval from the ministry before construction commenced.
“This building was not approved. There is no application before the ministry. How can someone erect a two-storey building without obtaining the required approval?” he queried.
He noted that the government had consistently sensitized residents on the importance of obtaining building approvals to enable proper monitoring and enforcement of construction standards.
“We have continued to educate members of the public on the need to secure building approval so that the ministry can monitor developments. Although we cannot be everywhere, residents should alert authorities when they notice suspicious construction activities,” Uwadiae added.
He disclosed that preliminary findings revealed that the reinforcement rods used in the structure were of poor quality and incapable of supporting even a one-storey building.
The commissioner said the building would remain sealed pending further investigation, stressing that the owner of the property was yet to be identified.
“The law will take its course, and necessary action will be taken once the actual owner is identified. If the owner fails to present himself within the stipulated period, the government will take over the property in line with relevant laws,” he stated.
Also speaking, the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency (ESDBCA), Mr. Darlington Igabali, described the incident as a preventable disaster.
“The administration of Governor Monday Okpebholo has zero tolerance for irresponsible and substandard developments in the state. Preliminary findings indicate that the collapse resulted from the use of inferior materials, coupled with the absence of building approval,” he said.
A resident of the area, Mr. Jonathan Bitrus, said the building collapsed at about 2:00 a.m. to 2:15 a.m.
According to him, the foundation of the structure appeared inadequate to support a two-storey building, raising concerns about the quality of the construction from the outset. :::