Anambra State Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB) has warned staff against compromising standard in course of their assignments.
Executive Chairman of the Board, Barr. Chike Maduekwe gave the warning during the demolition of a building that partially collapsed recently in Obuofia, Umuota village, Obosi in Idemili North Council Area of Anambra state.
He said any staff of the organisation fould guilty of financial inducement would be dismissed.
“Anywhere you see our staff demanding bribe from you, call me or come to the office and report. Any staff we find compromising quality of work we’re doing will be sacked,” he said.
Maduekwe explained that the demolition of the structure was to forstal further calamity and ensure no other persons occupied the remaining section of the building.
His words, “Two weeks ago, there was a partial collapse of the building that killed a couple. Miraculously, their six children survived without a scratch.
“When a building is structurally compromised, the first thing is to secure lives of people around, especially those looking for where to squat by bringing the building down completely to avert further calamity.
“The landlord had given the occupants,
seven families altogether up to five notices to vacate the property, The last family left a day before the building collapsed.
“I also leant that the chairman of the area had pleaded with the victims same day the incident happened to leave the building for a place he had provided for them, yet they refused.”
While advising those living in compromised building across the state to vacate the facilities for their safety, Maduekwe vowed not to hesitate in pulling down any structure with structural defect capable of endengering people’s lives.
“We’ve instructed our Executive Secretaries in the various Local Governments to go around and identify such buildings, seal and pull down those that failed the test. If there are those that are redeemable, we advice the developer.
“When we carry out this kind of exercise, people complain we are wicked. But we’re not, we’re just being responsible. Government exits to secure the welfare, lives and property of the citizens. We can’t allow you to commit suicide.
“We’re not interested in political and emotional sentiments. Our interest is in the safety of the people. We won’t comprise standard.
“We’re yet to meet with the owner of the building. I learnt he had some challenges. So we give him sometime. Where we blamed him was that he didn’t invite us when he noticed the structural defect.
“I sympathize with the children that have become orphans and I’m glad the governor had intervened through the Commissioners of Health and Women, Children and Welfare,” Maduekwe added.
On his part, Chairman of the community, Collins Chukwulobe thanked the government for carrying out the demolition exercise.
He warned those occupying similar structure in the area to vacate the premises or risk being forced out of the facility.
“Our task force is going round to identify similar structures and to chase out those living inside. Those who refused to park out, we’ll invite the police to drive them away,” he added.
