In yet another distressing incident, a five-storey building collapsed early Sunday morning on Garden Street Fegge, Onitsha, Anambra State, adding to recent concerns over structural integrity. This collapse comes within a fortnight of a similar incident at the Oduigbo section of the Ochanja market in Onitsha.
Chike Mmaduekwe, Chairman of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, voiced dismay at the event but expressed relief that there were no casualties, as the collapse was only partial. However, he revealed that the approved plan for the building was for three storeys, highlighting that the developer had disregarded this and proceeded with a five-storey structure.
Originally intended for commercial purposes, the building’s collapse prompted immediate action, with an excavator dispatched to clear debris and potentially rescue anyone trapped. Anambra State Governor, Chukwuma Soludo, had previously emphasized the importance of obtaining proper approvals and adhering to construction regulations to prevent such disasters. Despite repeated warnings and notices to the developer, the building collapsed, underscoring the necessity for strict enforcement of building standards in the region. Governor Soludo’s directive to demolish unapproved structures stands firm, with this collapsed building set to meet the same fate as others that flouted regulations.