Concerned by the recurring incidents of building collapse in Rivers State, where two separate buildings collapsed within two days, the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV), Rivers State Branch, Nwokoma Nwankwo, has called for stricter enforcement of building regulations and greater compliance with professional standards to prevent future disasters.

His recommendations came as the site of the collapsed five -storey building which was under construction on Odili Road, Port Harcourt, has been leveled by authorities following the directive of Governor Siminalyi Fubara.

No additional victims were found after the initial rescue operation where three persons were rescued while one died. Those earlier rescued are said to receiving medical treatment.

Meanwhile, the Executive Director, Project Implementation, Federal Housing Authority (FHA), Oluremi Omowaiye, has blamed the developer for the collapse, alleging that the building deviated from the approved plan.

According to him, the FHA approved a three-storey structure for the site, but the developer allegedly added an extra floor.

He clarified that the development approval was granted before the current FHA management assumed office.

Speaking further on the recurring collapses, the NIESV chairman
described every building failure as unfortunate and a serious concern to stakeholders in the built environment.

The NIESV chairman called for a comprehensive forensic investigation to establish both the immediate and remote causes of the collapse and ensure accountability.
According to him, “Such investigations are essential not only for assigning responsibility but also for preventing future occurrences.”

To reduce and ultimately eliminate building collapse, Nwankwo recommended strict enforcement of planning and development control regulations by relevant government agencies.

He also advocated the mandatory engagement of qualified and registered professionals including architects, structural engineers, builders, quantity surveyors, estate surveyors and valuers, and town planners throughout the project lifecycle.

Other recommendations include routine and unscheduled inspections at critical stages of construction, the use of certified building materials that meet approved standards, proper supervision and certification of each construction stage, maintenance of accurate project documentation, strict sanctions against developers and professionals who violate regulations, and increased public awareness to encourage reporting of unsafe construction activities.

He maintained that building collapse is largely preventable when professional standards, ethical practices and regulatory requirements are strictly observed by all stakeholders.

“The safety of lives and property must always take precedence over cost-cutting measures and project timelines,” he added.