We will evacuate all the occupants of the three-storey building, which shares the same compound with the collapsed building,
By Moses Okorie
A two-storey residential building has collapsed in Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, with authorities confirming that no life was lost.
The incident occurred on Sunday at Inyaba-Umudim, Nnewi, and prompted an immediate visit by officials of the state Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The state Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Chijioke Ojukwu, confirmed the collapse to journalists on Monday after inspecting the scene.
Ojukwu described the incident as unfortunate but expressed relief that the collapse did not result in any fatality.
According to him, preliminary assessment indicated that the building was constructed without the necessary approval from the ministry and did not meet the required construction standards.
He explained that the structure had also been erected on the perimeter wall of an existing three-storey building, raising concerns about the safety of the adjoining property.
The commissioner said occupants of the nearby three-storey building had been issued a notice to vacate the premises to enable the authorities to carry out an integrity assessment of the structure.
“We will evacuate all the occupants of the three-storey building, which shares the same compound with the collapsed building,” Ojukwu said.
He added that the government would conduct mandatory integrity tests on buildings within the neighbor hood to determine their structural safety.
Ojukwu warned that structures found to have failed the integrity assessment would be demolished to prevent possible loss of lives and property.
He further disclosed that the state government would commence a wider enforcement exercise against buildings constructed on the perimeter walls of existing structures, those that contravene stipulated setback requirements and properties erected without the required government approval.
The commissioner said the measures were part of the government’s efforts to enforce building regulations and prevent recurring cases of building collapse across Anambra State.