Abia makes soil tests mandatory for building approvals

By Peter Okore, Umuahia

The Abia State Government has made soil and geotechnical testing mandatory for all developers and private builders seeking building approvals, as part of measures to curb the incidence of building collapse across the state.

Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, announced the policy on Monday while briefing journalists on the outcome of the State Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti at the Government House, Umuahia.

He said prospective developers must henceforth present valid soil and geotechnical test certificates before obtaining building permits.

“Going forward, if you must obtain a building permit, you must have soil and geotechnical test certificates,” Kanu said.

He explained that the policy would ensure that buildings are designed and constructed in line with the characteristics of the soil on which they stand.

“This is to ensure that buildings are designed and built in line with soil capabilities and specifications, and constructed on verified, strong foundations. This will improve structural safety, prevent building collapse and protect lives and property,” he added.

The commissioner also disclosed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has intensified the desilting of drainage channels in Umuahia and Aba to reduce flooding during the rainy season.

According to him, ongoing desilting works are being carried out in flood-prone areas, including the Shoprite–Uwalaka axis, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church on Ndume Ibeku Road, Finbarr’s Road and Adelabu Street.

Kanu further revealed that the state government is reviewing the condition of markets within the capital city, including Ogwumabiri Market in Ossah, with a view to rehabilitating them and, where necessary, relocating them to more suitable locations.

He also announced that Governor Otti has approved intervention works to tackle the long-standing erosion problem in Emede Ibeku Community.

On housing development, Kanu said the tendering process for the proposed Pocket Estate layout in Umuahia has been completed, adding that the list of successful contractors would be released during the week.

Providing an update on infrastructure projects, the commissioner said the Ministry of Works is currently undertaking direct labour road maintenance at 46 locations across the state.

He identified completed projects as the failed section of Nkwoagu Junction–Nkwo Mbala Road in Umunneochi Local Government Area, the second phase of Akara Junction–Ovim Bridge Road in Isuikwuato Local Government Area, and the rehabilitation of Mazi Okoro Avenue in Obinkita, Arochukwu Local Government Area.

He added that rainy season maintenance has commenced on the Opobo Junction–Azumini–Obehe Road, a federal road linking the Enugu–Port Harcourt Expressway, as well as the access road to Obingwa General Hospital and the Obingwa Local Government Headquarters.

Kanu, however, noted that although 26 road projects are currently under contract, persistent rainfall has slowed work at several project sites.

He also disclosed that work is progressing at the Green City Site and Services Estate in Obehie, Ukwa West Local Government Area, where perimeter fencing and internal road construction have been completed.

Responding to questions on the recent building collapse along the Federal Low-Cost/Finbarr’s–Eze Ogbulafor Road in Umuahia, the General Manager of the UCDA, Mr Kingsley Agomuo, said the panel investigating the incident would submit its report this week.

He assured that the findings would be made public after due process.

Agomuo said the government had already introduced measures to strengthen building safety, including the establishment of a structural integrity testing facility.

“We believe in due process. We don’t want to jump the gun. The government has taken every necessary step to ensure that nobody gains access to the premises of the collapsed building while investigations are ongoing,” he said.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the government would enforce compliance with building regulations more rigorously.

“The government is going to be far more decisive in enforcing building standards. We urge developers and property owners to comply with all regulations before embarking on any construction project,” Ekeoma said.