Collapsed Building in Onitsha Prompts Soludo’s Order for Integrity Tests on Ongoing Projects, Demolition of 300 Illegal Shops

In the wake of a recent five-storey building collapse in Onitsha, Anambra State Governor Prof Chukwuma Soludo has ordered that all ongoing building projects in the city undergo integrity tests.

This decision comes after multiple building collapses in the area, including one in Ochanja Market that resulted in the death of five people and the rescue of many others with varying degrees of injury.

Onitsha South Local Government Area Chairman, Mr Emeka Joseph Orji, announced the governor’s directive during a demolition exercise in Onitsha, where about 300 illegal shops built without approval were removed.

In addition to the illegal shops, five plazas are also set to be demolished as part of the local government’s efforts to address the issue of illegal structures and building collapses.

The integrity tests, which will include material and quality tests, are set to commence after a meeting with the Chairman of the Physical Planning Board in Awka.

The goal is to ensure that all ongoing building projects in Onitsha South comply with safety regulations and standards to prevent further incidents of building collapse.

Mr Orji emphasized that not every area in Onitsha can be designated as a market and that the local government has declared war on illegal structures.

He stated that they will ensure the right thing is done to address building collapses in the area.

The recent collapse of a five-storey building in Onitsha has prompted Governor Soludo to take action to prevent further incidents.

By ordering integrity tests on all ongoing building projects and enforcing the demolition of illegal structures, the government aims to improve safety and compliance with building regulations in the city.