Umuahia, Nigeria – The Abia State Government has announced plans to launch a full investigation into the recent collapse of a three-storey building in Umuahia, the state capital.
Speaking at a press briefing following this week’s Executive Council meeting, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, said the government will also conduct comprehensive integrity tests on all buildings above two floors across the state.
Mr. Agomuo stated that the move is part of the government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and property of residents, stressing that the state has zero tolerance for professional misconduct in the construction sector.
“Every building above two floors will be subjected to integrity tests to assure our citizens that they are safe in the homes and offices they occupy,” he said. “While all existing buildings will undergo this assessment, new constructions must strictly comply with established building regulations and standards.”
Agomuo reiterated that the state government, under the leadership of Governor Alex Otti, is determined to prevent a recurrence of such tragic incidents by enforcing stringent construction oversight.
In a related development, the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, revealed that the Ministry of Lands and Housing will embark on an extensive aerial imagery and mapping survey of the entire state.
According to him, the project will cover Abia’s 4,795.74 square kilometers and include radar and 2D line mapping of key urban centers such as Aba and Umuahia. He explained that the initiative aims to boost the Ministry’s operational efficiency and enhance land management and planning.
The measures come as part of the state’s broader effort to improve urban development standards and ensure safer infrastructure for its growing population.
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