Abia State Government has introduced mandatory soil and geotechnical testing as prerequisites for obtaining building permits in the state capital.
The move is aimed at improving structural safety, preventing building collapse and protection of lives and property of Abia residents.
Okey Kanu, Commissioner for Information, announced the policy, Monday, while briefing journalists on the outcome of this week’s Executive Council meeting presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
Kanu said that the new requirement forms part of the government’s efforts to ensure that buildings are designed and constructed in line with the characteristics of the soil on which they are sited.
“Mandatory soil and geotechnical testing are now prerequisites before building permits are granted in the state capital.
“Going forward, if you must obtain a building permit, you must have a soil test and geotechnical test certificate.
“This is to ensure that going forward, buildings are designed and built in line with soil capabilities and constructed on verified and strong foundations to improve structural safety, prevent building collapse, and protect lives and property”, he said.
Kanu also outlined a series of interventions being undertaken by the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) to improve urban infrastructure and mitigate flooding across the state capital.
The commissioner noted that the UCDA had intensified the desilting of drainage channels on flood-prone roads in Umuahia to improve the free flow of stormwater during the rainy season.
He listed the areas currently benefiting from the disilting exercise to include; Adelabu Street drainage, Shoprite to Uwalaka Street, Asaba Street Junction, Ndume Otuka Road, Winners Church Ndume Road, Church of Christ and Finbarrs Road.
On erosion control, Kanu revealed that the State Exco had approved immediate intervention in Emede Ibeku Community in Umuahia North Local Government Area, where residents have battled severe erosion.
The commissioner stated that UCDA had received approval to commence erosion control works in the affected community.
He also announced progress in the State’s housing development programme, stating that the tendering process for the proposed Pocket Estate Layout had been completed.
The commissioner further said that the construction activities are progressing at the Green City Site and Services Estate in Obehie in Ukwa East Local Government Area.
“The perimeter fencing has been completed and the roads in the estate have been constructed. The blocks as well have been facilitated”, he said.
