The Acting Administrator of the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority (GPHCDA), Dr. Tonte Davies, has strongly condemned the recent collapse of a two-story building under construction in Agboga, Ikwerre LGA.
In a statement released on January 6th, Dr. Davies emphasized that this tragic incident was entirely avoidable and a direct result of the developer’s blatant disregard for building regulations and safety standards.
Despite receiving a “Stop Work Notice” from the GPHCDA in November 2024, the developer continued construction, primarily during weekends and public holidays, to evade enforcement. This reckless disregard for safety put lives at risk and ultimately led to the devastating collapse.
Dr. Davies attributed the collapse to the use of substandard construction materials and highlighted the importance of adhering to approved building plans at every stage of construction. To ensure public safety, the GPHCDA has sealed off the site and will proceed with the demolition of the remaining structure.
The GPHCDA has implemented a new approval strategy that mandates rigorous monitoring of construction projects at all stages. Dr. Davies further emphasized that the Authority will prioritize public sensitization and strict enforcement of building regulations in the coming year.
He urged all property developers to prioritize safety and obtain necessary approvals from the GPHCDA before commencing any construction project.
Click on the link below to watch the Acting Administrator’s reaction: https://youtu.be/lVI6JCJZn9w?si=Qo2_Pk7NQnFR4MJx
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