BENIN CITY — The Edo State Government has cautioned prospective developers to obtain proper building plan approvals before commencing construction, following the collapse of an unapproved building in Uromi, Esan North East Local Government Area, which claimed the life of the property owner.
The warning was issued by the Managing Director of the Edo State Development and Building Control Agency, Hon. Igabali Imoisili Darlington, during a press briefing in Benin City.
Hon. Igabali disclosed that the ill-fated project was a proposed one-storey hotel building that collapsed despite prior warnings.
He said that officials from the Agency, including the Area Planning Officer, had visited the site several times and served necessary notices before sealing it off, but the owner continued construction in defiance of all regulatory warnings.
“The building had no approval. Despite repeated notices and even sealing, construction continued. Our preliminary investigation showed there was no certified supervision, and the materials used were substandard,” Hon. Igabali said.
He emphasized that securing approval is only the first step in safe construction, stressing the need to comply with the Edo State Master Plan and Building Code.
“As an Agency, we will continue to educate the public. It’s not just about obtaining approval; it’s about building right,” he stated.
Hon. Igabali urged developers to always consult the Agency or local planning offices for guidance, and extended condolences to the family of the deceased.
