In a proactive measure aimed at safeguarding lives and property, the Abia State Government, Saturday, demolished a structurally defective two-storey building located in Umuahia, the state capital.
The demolition operation, spearheaded by a rapid response team comprised of various government agencies, including the Ministries of Lands and Housing, Power & Public Utilities, and Works, along with the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), the Nigerian Police Force, the Abia State Fire Service, the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC), the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners, and the Nigerian Society of Engineers, effectively brought down the unsafe structure.
The decision to demolish the building at 5, Akanu Ibiam Street (opposite FCMB, near Government House) Umuahia, was prompted by the alarm raised by occupants who, upon noticing visible defects in the structure, voluntarily evacuated the premises sandwiched between two other buildings.
Addressing the Newsmen shortly after the successful demolition, the Commissioner for Lands and Housing, Mr. Chaka Chukwumerije, emphasized that the primary objective of the operation was to protect lives.
He commended the coordinated efforts of UCDA, the Nigerian Police, and the fire service in swiftly securing the area and ensuring public safety.
“The initial efforts to strip the building block by block, in order to preserve the surrounding structures, was deemed unsafe, and quickly replaced by a swift demolishment of the building, while minimising the damage to surrounding structures,” Mr. Chukwumerije said.
Also speaking, the Commissioner for Power and Public Utilities, Mr. Ikechukwu Monday who underlined the administration’s commitment to due process, expressed gratitude that no lives were lost in the process and encouraged builders to always seek professional services to avoid such structural issues.
The General Manager Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Tpl Kenneth Agomoh, reiterated the commitment of Governor Alex Otti’s administration to maintain the integrity and safety of buildings in the state.
He urged the public to report any information concerning defective structures and affirmed that UCDA would proactively address illegal structures in the future.
