Building Collapse: Otti approves establishment of materials testing laboratory
The Abia government in a bid to forestall cases of building collapse, has approved the establishment of a standard material testing laboratory in Umuahia.
The general manager of Umuahia Capital Development Authority(UCDA), Kingsley Agomoh, said this in Umuahia while addressing journalists.
He described the initiative as one of government’s proactive measures towards preventing the use of substandard building materials.
Mr Agomoh said the initiative would assist the government in ensuring that every building, road and bridges constructed in the state meets the required standards.
“So, with this it is going to be difficult to start any construction work and get approval at each stage of the building without getting the materials tested through this lab.
“We are going to build the best in Umuahia, then other parts of the state like Aba, Ohafia will have their own as time goes on,” Mr Agomoh said.
Mr Agomoh explained that the facility would be used to conduct soil test, check rod reinforcement, aggregate materials and asphalt.
Mr Agomoh further said that the government was working assiduously to ensure that building permit would be issued within 30 days of submission of building permit.
He added that efforts were being made to digitalise the operations involved in issuance of building permit.
Information commissioner Okey Kanu said the decision to build the laboratory was informed by the instances of buildings collapse in the country.
“We know the attendant human and material resources loss when a building colapses, so this government is poised to ensure that such instances do not occur in our state,” Mr Kanu said.
He also mentioned that the facility would be used serve as a platform for research.
Mr Kanu said the government issues a directive for the removal of illegal gates and structures obstructing the free flow of traffic in Umuahia.
“We want buildings to serve the purpose for which it was built, UCDA has been interfacing with landlords to see that this does not continue,” he added.
Mr Kanu expressed the government’s resolve to stop ‘agbero’, adding that a task force was set up to tackle the menace.
(NAN)
We have recently deactivated our website's comment provider in favour of other channels of distribution and commentary. We encourage you to join the conversation on our stories via our Facebook, Twitter and other social media pages.
More from Peoples Gazette
Agriculture
FG tasks ECOWAS on leveraging financing strategies for agroecology
The federal government has urged stakeholders in the agriculture and finance sectors in the West Africa region to leverage financing strategies to enhance agroecology practices
Politics
Katsina youths pledge to deliver over 2 million votes to Atiku
“Katsina State is Atiku’s political base because it is his second home.”
States
Troops rescue six abductees in Borno
The military said troops remain in aggressive pursuit of the fleeing terrorists.
Diaspora
Diaspora group condemns alleged killing of two Nigerians in South Africa, demands justice
NUSA said it has commenced engagement with the police to ensure that a thorough investigation is conducted and that justice prevails.
States
Taraba chief judge lauds Tinubu’s move to establish state police
The chief judge said the issue of state police was crucial given the spate of criminality in the country.
States
Ekiti govt orders free treatment for rescued worshippers
Oyebanji directed the Ministry of Health and Human Services to oversee the welfare and well-being of the rescued worshippers.
States
Rescue operation ongoing for abducted Oyo pupils, teachers: Army chief
The victims were abducted on May 15 from three schools in the Orire Local Government Area of Oyo.
States
Gov. Radda vows zero tolerance for gender, child abuse
The governor pledged sustained collaboration with relevant stakeholders to strengthen prevention, response, and support mechanisms for GBV victims.
