Anambra Govt Orders Demolition of 3-Storey Building in Ogidi as Cracks Threaten Neighbouring Houses

By Praise Chinecherem

The Anambra State Government has ordered the demolition of a distressed three-storey building under construction at Uruezealo Village, Ogidi, in Idemili North Local Government Area, following concerns over its structural integrity and damage to neighbouring properties.

The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Barr. Chijioke Ojukwu, issued the directive during an inspection of the building alongside members of the ministry’s monitoring team.

According to Ojukwu, the ministry had earlier identified the structure as unsafe and directed the developer to demolish it within one week.

“Upon inspection, we noticed that the building is distressed, with cracks on the demarcation walls. It is being constructed on a demarcation wall between two properties. It has no structural drawing, no technical drawing whatsoever,” the commissioner said.

He explained that the weight of the building had caused structural damage to adjoining properties, necessitating urgent government intervention.

“As a result of the load of the building, structural cracks have developed on neighbouring houses. As a matter of urgency, we ordered the immediate demolition of the building,” he added.

Ojukwu disclosed that the property owner, identified as a lawyer, had been instructed to personally undertake the demolition, warning that the government would demolish the structure and recover the cost from him if he failed to comply.

“We have come to ensure the building is actually being brought down as directed. We shall return within the week to monitor progress.

“The owner informed the ministry that demolition has commenced. That is why we are on this visit to verify compliance,” he said.

The commissioner described the enforcement action as part of the state government’s zero-tolerance policy towards illegal construction, unsafe buildings and violations of physical planning regulations.

He stressed that the government would not exempt anyone from enforcement actions, regardless of their professional status or influence.

“We do not care who the developer is. As long as it is illegal, against public interest and threatens public good, we shall apply the law and demolish the building or structure,” Ojukwu declared.

He warned developers against disregarding building regulations, insisting that the state would no longer tolerate lawlessness and recklessness in construction activities.

Meanwhile, a resident of the affected neighbourhood, Mmaduabuchi Okaro, said the defects associated with the building had caused significant damage to his family’s property.

“The visible cracks on the walls, POP and foundation have forced my family to seek refuge elsewhere to save our lives because several complaints we made to the developer have yielded no result,” Okaro said.

While commending the state government for its timely intervention, he appealed to the developer to compensate his family for the damage and cover the cost of rebuilding their affected property.

The incident has once again highlighted the importance of strict compliance with building regulations, structural safety standards and proper physical planning approvals to prevent avoidable damage and protect lives and property.

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