An urban planning expert has called for stricter enforcement of building regulations and a comprehensive investigation into recent building collapses in Rivers State to prevent further loss of lives and property.
The Chairman of the Association of Town Planning Consultants of Nigeria, Rivers State Branch, Edmund Chinem-Nwokaeze, made the call following the recent building collapses along Iwofe Road and Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt.
Chinem-Nwokaeze described the incidents as evidence of a breakdown in values, ethics and compliance with urban planning standards. He said government, regulatory agencies, construction professionals and residents all have important roles to play in addressing the challenge.
He urged the Rivers State Government to constitute a panel of inquiry made up of professionals in the built environment to investigate both the immediate and remote causes of the building failures.
The town planning consultant also advocated stronger development control, regular site inspections, stricter enforcement of building regulations, and increased funding and manpower for regulatory agencies.
He stressed that only approved building plans should be implemented and that all construction projects should be supervised by qualified and registered built environment professionals to ensure accountability and prevent future building collapses.
