The Rivers State government has warned residents of the state to vacate all distressed buildings to avoid loss of lives and property.
Key Highlights
- Rivers government urges residents to vacate distressed buildings.
- A roof slab and front balcony of a 50-year-old two-storey building at Club Road, Port Harcourt, collapsed on Friday night.
- No lives were lost in the incident.
- The Ministry of Physical Planning has begun an audit of old buildings, starting from Diobu.
- Further structural tests this week will decide whether the building is demolished or restored.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Hart, gave the warning on Saturday when he visited the site of a partially collapsed two-storey building at Club Road, Port Harcourt.
It was gathered that the incident, which occurred at about 9:00pm on Friday, October 9, 2026, involved the collapse of a roof slab and front balcony extension of a building believed to be over 50 years old. No lives were lost.
Building Has ‘Overstayed Its Lifespan’
Speaking during the inspection, the commissioner thanked God that no life was lost and noted that physical observation shows the structure has overstayed its lifespan.
He stated that the falling of the slab was a clear sign that the building has become weak and unfit for habitation.
Hart disclosed that the ministry has already commenced a proactive audit of old buildings, starting from Diobu and extending to other parts of Port Harcourt.
He added that the exercise is to identify buildings that have exceeded their lifespan, advise occupants to vacate for their safety, and where applicable, recommend major restoration for buildings that are not totally failed.
He reiterated the commitment of the administration of Governor Siminalayi Fubara to the safety and well-being of citizens, stressing that government is working tirelessly to ensure a safe and habitable environment for all residents.
Read also:
- Harvest Of Tragedies As Two High Rise Buildings Collapse In Port Harcourt Same Day
- 16 Trapped As 5-Storey Building Collapses In Port Harcourt
- COREN Approves Tougher Measures To Curb Engineering Failures, Building Collapses
Residents Urged To Allow Integrity Tests
The commissioner called on residents to cooperate with the ministry to allow integrity tests to be conducted on suspected distressed buildings, adding that where a building is marked for demolition, compliance is necessary to prevent loss of lives.
He noted that neighbouring buildings constructed around the same period may also be affected and advised the public to avoid renting old and distressed buildings.
He equally warned the public to stay clear of the cordoned area and to desist from scavenging around the collapsed section.
According to the commissioner, further structural investigations will be carried out within the week to determine whether the building will be demolished or recommended for major restoration.
Also on ground during the inspection were officials of the ministry alongside the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Emergency Service Unit.
For more updates from Rivers State, follow us on X.
