By Divine Sam
The Rivers State Government has issued a strong warning to developers regarding the use of substandard materials in construction, following the collapse of a three-story building in Iriebe, Obio/Akpor LGA. The incident, which occurred on October 29, 2024, thankfully resulted in no casualties, prompting a government investigation to determine the cause.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, inspected the site and highlighted the lack of necessary government approvals, emphasizing the importance of adhering to safety standards. He indicated that the building’s failure could be linked to poor quality materials, specifically inadequate cement-sand ratios.
Bipi urged property owners to secure government-approved plans and undergo regular inspections to ensure compliance with safety regulations. The government has sealed the site as it conducts a thorough investigation in collaboration with the Greater Port Harcourt City Development Authority, aiming to prevent future incidents of structural failure.