Anambra building collapse: BCPG blames substandard materials, disregard for regulatory notices

Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG) has identified substandard building materials, disregard for regulatory authorities’ notices and waterlogged environment, among others, as possible causes of the collapsed of a three-storey building under construction in Anambra State.

The structural failure led to the death of a woman and her 14-year-old daughter, after the building  collapsed on an adjoining structure in Okpoko, Ogbaru Local Government Area of the state.

The victims, identified as Mrs Happiness Ugoagu and her daughter, Confidence, were asleep when the building collapsed at No. 11 Emeka Ugwuanyi Street, near Anabanaba, trapping them beneath the rubble.

Residents reportedly heard loud cracking sounds shortly before the structure came down during heavy rainfall.

Ugoagu’s son, Chimobi, who was outside when the incident occurred, survived the collapse, while other victims were rescued and taken to hospital.

Residents, sympathisers and emergency officials worked for several hours to recover those trapped beneath the debris.

The Anambra State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) deployed an excavator to clear the rubble, while a team from the National Emergency Management Agency’s Enugu Operations Office joined the rescue operation.

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The Mayor of Ogbaru, Nnamdi Ifejika, supervised the exercise.

The bodies of the deceased were eventually recovered and taken to a morgue.

Although the authorities have yet to establish the official cause of the collapse, concerns have emerged  by some members of BCPG over the quality of materials used in the construction, the suitability of the site and alleged violations of building regulations.

The building safety advocates have repeatedly stressed the need for developers to use materials that meet required standards and ensure that structures are designed and constructed in line with the soil conditions and approved specifications.

Residents reportedly said the waterlogged nature of the land made it unsuitable for a three-storey building.

Reports from the scene also indicated that an engineer initially consulted on the project had recommended that the building should not exceed two floors because of the ground conditions.

It was alleged that the contractor engaged another engineer to approve the addition of a third floor.

The Anambra State Ministry of Physical Planning was also reported to have issued a stop-work notice on the project, which the contractor allegedly ignored.

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The claims have raised concerns about compliance with building standards and the effectiveness of regulatory oversight in preventing avoidable building collapses.

Following the incident, the state government sealed the site and described the structure as illegal.

Meanwhile, the member representing Ogbaru State Constituency  in the Anambra State House of Assembly, Noble Igwe, expressed sympathy with the bereaved family, describing the incident as unfortunate and devastating.

The deaths have renewed concerns over building safety, particularly the use of appropriate construction materials, adherence to approved building plans and compliance with professional recommendations.