The Delta State government has warned builders and construction firms against erecting structures without due approvals, declaring such developments illegal.
This was made known by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Renewal, Michael Anoka, during an inspection of the site of a collapsed two-storey building near the Airport Police Station, by the Asaba International Airport in Okpanam.
He was accompanied by the General Manager of the Urban and Regional Planning Board, Peter Amaduobogha, and other senior officials of the ministry.
Visibly displeased, Anoka condemned the actions of developers who ignore regulatory procedures, stressing that any construction not backed by an approved development plan from the ministry remains illegal.
“If a building hasn’t gone through the legally required approval process overseen by the ministry, it is illegal, plain and simple,” he stated.
He disclosed that the collapsed structure had no approved building plan.
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The ministry, according to him, had previously sealed the site and issued multiple stop-work notices since three years ago.
However, the developers allegedly resumed work secretly and used substandard materials, ultimately leading to the failure of the building.
In a bid to prevent future occurrences, the commissioner announced the launch of a digital system for managing development approvals.
The system, he said, would be deployed for policy-driven and large-scale projects.
“It’s a proactive step to help us monitor each approved development by location, track the responsible area and zonal planning officers, and prevent forgery or illegal developments,” he explained.
He added that the system will also enhance disaster prevention and better environmental management in built-up areas across the state.
