Building collapses: NITP wants Imo gov to set panel of enquiry

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP) wants the Imo State Government to immediately set up a panel of enquiry to look into the recent building collapse that happened in the state .
The Institute in an email signed by National President Nigerian Institute of Town Planners
Tpl Lekwa O Ezutah , FNITP PhF, said the panel should be set with its membership comprising major stakeholders in the built environment especially the professional bodies.
Tpl Ezutah said it was a sad news to experience yet another building collapse as the news reached the National Secretariat of the NITP.
He stated that such similar incidences are numerous across the country, the reported collapse on Thursday April 30 , 2020 of an eight storey building under construction at Yar Adua Drive , New Owerri is nother sad occurence, when the nation is battling the COVID 19 pandemic.
The email emphasized that on behalf of the NITP National Council and entire Membership of the Institute , I extend our deepest condolences to the families of the workers who lost their lives as well as the Government and good people of Imo State .
He said “all found culpable should be made to face the law. While we await the outcome of the investigation , may I use this opportunity to remind the Imo State Government that the Nigerian Urban and Regional Planning Law , LFN 2004 , CAP N138 (NURP) which is the backbone of physical planning and development in Nigeria has still not been domesticated as part of laws of Imo State.”
The Law provides for the establishment of an effective administrative structure and preparation of development plans and enforcement instrument to prevent building collapse and enhance sustainable development.
The NITP president pointed out that there is also the imperative need to review the Owerri Capital Development Authority Edict in line with the NURP Law especially as it relates to the composition of the Board .
NITP is confident that going forward , the right thing will be done for the people of Imo State as far as physical planning and development is concerned to avoid future occurance .