Abia Makes Soil, Geotechnical Testing Mandatory for Building Permit Approval

The Abia State Government has made soil and geotechnical testing a mandatory requirement for obtaining building permits across the state capital as part of measures to improve structural safety and prevent building collapse.

The 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.

Kanu said all developers seeking building approval must present soil and geotechnical testing certificates before permits will be issued.

"Going forward, if you must obtain a building permit, you must have a soil test and geotechnical test certificate.

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

The commissioner also disclosed that the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has continued the desilting of drainage channels across the Umuahia metropolis to reduce flooding during the rainy season.

He said the exercise is ongoing at the Shoprite Uwalaka area, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church along Ndume Ibeku Road, Finbarrs Road, Adelabu and other locations.

Kanu further announced that the state government is reviewing the condition of some markets within the capital city, including Ogwumabiri Market in Ossah, with plans to renovate them or relocate them to more suitable locations where necessary.

He also said Governor Otti had approved erosion control works for Emede Ibeku Community to address the area's longstanding erosion challenges.

According to the commissioner, the tender process for the Pocket Estate Layout in Umuahia has been concluded, and the list of successful contractors will be released during the week.

Providing updates on infrastructure, Kanu said the Ministry of Works is carrying out direct labour road maintenance at 46 locations across the state.

He identified completed projects as the maintenance of the failed section of Nkwoagu Junction to Nkwo Mbala Road in Umunneochi Local Government Area, the second phase of Akara Junction to 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 Opopo Junction to Azumini to 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 said that although 26 road projects are currently under contract, persistent rainfall has slowed construction activities in some locations.

He also disclosed that work is ongoing 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 recent building collapse incidents in Umuahia, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, said the panel investigating the latest incident would submit its report this week.

He said the government had already secured the site and introduced measures, including a structural integrity testing facility, to reduce the incidence of building collapse.

"We believe in due process. We don't want to jump the gun. But the government took every necessary step to make sure that nobody is seen around the premises where the building collapsed.

"Then the building was properly sealed. Once the report is out, the necessary steps will be taken," Agomuo said.

Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Media and Publicity, Mr. Ferdinand Ekeoma, said the government would intensify enforcement of building regulations across the state.

"So the government is going to go harder on developers and house owners. Help us to put pressure on those who ignore government guidelines before embarking on the construction of their buildings.

"You need to collaborate with the government to call on those, whether they are politicians or whoever, to adhere to government guidelines before embarking on any kind of construction," Ekeoma said.

The State Director of Information, Lady Chika Orji Nwoke, was also present at the briefing.