In the wake of a recent building collapse that has raised alarm over construction standards, Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has issued a stern warning to developers against the use of substandard materials for construction projects. Naija247news gathered that the governor’s warning came during an emergency meeting with stakeholders in the building and construction industry, following the incident that left several injured and properties destroyed.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!According to Naija247news, the collapsed structure, a two-story building under construction in the Awka metropolis, was attributed to the use of inferior materials and non-compliance with approved building codes. Governor Soludo, visibly angered by the incident, described it as “unacceptable” and vowed to take decisive action against erring developers. “We will not tolerate any form of negligence or compromise in the construction industry. Anyone found using substandard materials will face the full wrath of the law,” the governor declared in a statement obtained by Naija247news.
Naija247news understands that the Anambra State government has launched a comprehensive investigation into the collapse, with a task force set up to inspect ongoing construction projects across the state. The task force, comprising engineers, architects, and town planning officials, has been mandated to identify and seal off buildings that fail to meet safety standards. “This is not just about enforcing rules; it is about saving lives and protecting investments,” said Dr. Chike Mmaduekwe, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, in an interview with Naija247news.
The governor also announced plans to introduce stricter regulations for the construction industry, including mandatory certification of building materials and regular monitoring of construction sites. Naija247news reports that these measures are aimed at preventing future tragedies and ensuring that developers adhere to global best practices. “We are committed to making Anambra a model state in terms of urban development and safety standards,” Governor Soludo added.
Meanwhile, stakeholders in the construction industry have welcomed the governor’s intervention, describing it as a step in the right direction. “This is a wake-up call for all of us. We must prioritize quality and safety over profit,” said Engr. Ifeanyi Okoye, Chairman of the Anambra State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Building, in a statement to Naija247news.
As the state government intensifies its crackdown on substandard construction practices, residents have expressed hope that the move will bring an end to the recurring incidents of building collapses. Naija247news gathered that the governor’s proactive approach has already sent a strong message to developers, signaling a new era of accountability and transparency in Anambra’s construction sector.
