Building Collapse: NIA urges Anambra governor to implement previous panels’ reports

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has called on Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state to implement the recommendations of the 2014 panel’s report instead of setting up new panel to investigate the collapsed of buildings in Onitsha. Speaking at a press briefing in Awka, the chairman of NIA in Anambra, Osita Okafor said the […]

The Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) has called on Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra state to implement the recommendations of the 2014 panel’s report instead of setting up new panel to investigate the collapsed of buildings in Onitsha.

Speaking at a press briefing in Awka, the chairman of NIA in Anambra, Osita Okafor said the recent inauguration of a new panel of inquiry to look into the causes of building collapse in Onitsha was unnecessary as the recommendations of the previous one set up by the same government were  not implemented.

According to him, the immediate and remote causes of building collapses in the state are known because they were contained in the previous panel’s reports on building collapse in the state.

He decried the situation where none architects were assuming the roles of architects in the state and described it as unconventional and unacceptable.

The chairman said most of the jobs being executed in the state were carried out by quacks, with little or no knowledge of building constructions, stressing that building are supposed to be approved by professionals.

He further said that given the report on the 2014 White- paper ,most building collapsed due to neglect of Architectures in the state.

“Recall that the government set up a 10-man panel of inquiry to look into collapsed building in Onitsha.

“We use this opportunity to draw government attentions to the implementation of an already public white-paper report on building collapse in Onitsha, published on October 13, 2014.

“The white-paper stressed the need to establish a one-stop approval process. By this process, all relevant professionals in the building industry will vet drawings and documents submitted for approval,” he said.

According to him, the body is calling on the governor to take a dispassionate step and address all the issues raised.