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The Ebonyi State Government has stepped up enforcement against unsafe and dilapidated buildings across the state capital as part of efforts to prevent structural collapses and safeguard lives and property.
The exercise was led by the Commissioner for Capital City Development and Urban Planning, Richard Ugo Idike, alongside the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Mrs Martina Obya, the Head of Town Planning, Mrs Esther Nwite, and members of the state task force.
The latest inspection followed an earlier exercise conducted on July 7, during which owners and occupants of distressed buildings were served notices directing them to vacate or demolish unsafe structures within a specified period.
During Monday’s operation, officials inspected a one-storey building in Abakaliki identified as posing a serious safety risk. Idike said the 21-day eviction notice earlier issued to occupants had expired and that, following discussions with the property owner, demolition of the building would commence within the week.
The task force also served a fresh 21-day eviction and removal notice on the owner of another deteriorating structure located on Liberty Street after determining that the building was no longer safe for habitation.
Officials expressed concern that families, including children, were still occupying some visibly distressed buildings.
The commissioner urged property owners to conduct regular structural integrity checks and comply with town planning regulations to prevent avoidable tragedies.
