The Delta State Government has attributed the collapse of a two-storey building in Asaba to the absence of an approved building plan, the use of substandard materials, and the involvement of an unqualified site engineer.
Delta State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Renewal, Mr. Michael Anoka, disclosed this on Friday during an inspection of the collapsed site located opposite the Airport Police Station near Asaba International Airport, Okpanam.
The building, which was under construction, collapsed on Thursday evening. Although no casualties were recorded, some individuals who were initially trapped were later rescued.
Anoka stated that the developer had been previously warned and issued stop-work notices after it was discovered that the project lacked approval from the appropriate authorities.
“We visited the site with the management team from the Ministry and found that the developer violated the development regulations of the state,” Anoka said. “There was no approved building plan for the construction, and despite sealing the site and issuing stop-work notices, the developer resumed work without authorisation.”
He added that investigations revealed the use of poor-quality construction materials and the engagement of an unqualified site engineer, which contributed to the structural failure.
Anoka also announced the ministry’s recent adoption of a digital monitoring system for development control. He said the initiative would help track approved development plans to specific locations and responsible planning officers, thereby reducing incidents of forgery and unauthorised construction.
“The digital system is designed to strengthen monitoring, enforce compliance, and prevent future building collapses and other hazards,” he said, while warning developers against bypassing regulatory procedures.
The commissioner assured that those responsible for the collapsed structure would be held accountable in line with the state’s planning laws
