Building collapses: Abia Govt warns landlords against engaging quack contractors

The Greater Aba Development Authority, GADA, has warned landlords and other land developers in Aba to adhere to government-approved safety standards and stop engaging the services of quacks for their building projects.

GADA, an Abia State government agency, gave the warning at Umuozue, Osisioma Ngwa Local Government Area on Tuesday, in response to the recent collapse of a three-storey building in Umuozue, where site workers narrowly escaped death.

Addressing the Non-Indigene Landlords’ Association in Umuozuo, the District Town Planning Officer in charge of Osisioma, Chinyere Ibegbulam, educated them on the importance of obtaining government approval before building and the risks of non-compliance with building regulations.

She made it clear that it was illegal to commence any building project without obtaining approval and documentation from the government, adding that it was a serious offence to award building construction contracts to non-professionals.

She warned that severe sanctions, such as demolition, would be imposed on structures if the development was not located in its designated plan area or was found to threaten public safety.

The state government agency further informed the landlords that houses built in unapproved areas or handled by quacks were prone to collapse.

Speaking on behalf of his members, the Chairman of the Non-Indigenes Landlords’ Association, Kenechukwu Okeke, disclosed that many of his members were unaware of the existing structural development laws but promised that they would comply with the state government’s directives.