Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Sir Amaopusenibo Amairigha Edward Hart, has warned residents to stop occupying old and distressed buildings that endanger lives and property.
Hart gave the warning on Saturday when he inspected a partially collapsed two-storey building at No. 18 Club Road, Port Harcourt.
The structure, believed to be over 50 years old, suffered the collapse of its roof slab and front balcony extension around 9 pm on Friday. No lives were lost. Authorities have cordoned off the site and marked it “Vacant, Unfit for Human Habitation.”
During the visit, the commissioner thanked God that no one died. He said physical checks showed the building had exceeded its lifespan, and the falling slab was clear evidence that it had become weak and unsafe for habitation.
Hart disclosed that the ministry had already begun a proactive audit of old buildings, starting from Diobu and now spreading to other parts of Port Harcourt.
The exercise aims to identify structures that have outlived their usefulness, advise occupants to vacate for their safety, and recommend major restoration where buildings are not totally failed.
He reaffirmed the commitment of Governor Siminalayi Fubara’s administration to the safety and well-being of Rivers people, stressing that government is working hard to ensure a safe and livable environment for all residents.
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The commissioner urged residents to cooperate with the ministry to allow integrity tests on suspected distressed buildings.
He said compliance is necessary wherever a building is marked for demolition, to prevent loss of lives. Hart also noted that neighbouring buildings constructed around the same period may face similar risks and advised the public against renting old and distressed structures.
The ministry warned the public to stay away from the cordoned area and stop scavenging around the collapsed section.
Further structural investigations will be conducted within the week to decide whether the building will be demolished or recommended for major restoration.
Officials of the ministry were joined at the site by teams from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Federal Fire Service, Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), and the Rivers State University Teaching Hospital Emergency Service Unit.
