Anambra State Government has warned that any building erected in violation of the state’s building regulations will be demolished, irrespective of the owner’s status.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Chijioke Ojukwu, gave the warning during an inspection of a three-storey building allegedly being constructed illegally by a lawyer at Urueze-Alo, Ogidi, in Idemili North Local Government Area.
The inspection revealed that part of the structure was erected on a boundary wall separating it from a neighbouring compound, several cracks were also observed on the building, while the construction had reportedly caused structural cracks in adjoining buildings.
Speaking shortly after the inspection, Mr Ojukwu said that the ministry, through its Idemili North Zonal Office, recently discovered the illegal construction and directed the developer to demolish the structure within one week or pay the state government to carry out the demolition.
He explained that the inspection was to ascertain the developer’s compliance with the directive, adding that the structure violated the state’s physical planning regulations because it was erected without the required structural and technical provisions.
The owner of the affected neighbouring building, Mr Mmaduabuchi Okaro, said they had initially complained to the developer after noticing minor cracks on their property, before the damage worsened, appreciating the state government for intervening, and noted that the extensive cracks on the walls of their building had placed them at risk of losing their home.
Violet Okoye.
