To prevent structural failures and safeguard citizens, the Abia State Government has introduced a mandatory requirement for soil and geo-technical testing for all new construction projects in Umuahia. Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, confirmed the directive following a State Executive Council meeting led by Governor Alex Otti. Developers are now required to submit these test results as a prerequisite for obtaining building permits to ensure structural compatibility and safety.
This policy arrives in response to rising concerns over recent structural collapses within the capital. Kingsley Agomuo, General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority, confirmed that investigations into previous collapses are complete. The UCDA has identified several distressed structures and is actively overseeing demolition efforts where necessary, having inspected at least ten questionable buildings so far.
Ferdinand Ekeoma, Special Adviser to the Governor, emphasized that the administration will adopt a stricter approach toward developers who ignore building codes. He clarified that while costs for approvals vary based on project scale, the expense of compliance is minor compared to the critical need to preserve human life. Separately, the government announced the upcoming launch of the Umuomaiukwu Smart School in Isiala Ngwa North, a key project under the state’s educational reform initiative featuring modern digital learning infrastructure and enhanced facility management.
