The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) yesterday said it will conduct integrity tests on old buildings within the city to forestall building collapse.
The Director of the Development Control, FCTA, Mr Mukhtar Galadima, stated this in Abuja while addressing newsmen on buildings in Jabi that failed integrity tests and might likely collapse.
Galadima said that the test, which would be conducted in partnership with professional bodies regulatory bodies, and agencies would be carried out in Wuse 1, Garki 1, Garki 2, and Asokoro.
He said that the old houses that would be targeted for the exercise would be mainly those above 30 years old.
The director said that the measure became necessary, following the unfortunate incident that happened in Garki village, where a two-storey building collapsed, killing two persons, and injuring 37 others.
“We have agreed with our colleagues, the professional and regulatory bodies and agencies to identify some structures within the city and conduct integrity tests on them. The goal is to avert unforeseen circumstances like building collapse that may occur due to structural defects.
“I have discussed it with my colleagues and we will soon be going to the field for the exercise, particularly in Garki 1, Garki 2, Wuse 1, and Asokoro,” he said.
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He explained that the areas were targeted because they were mainly developed by private individuals with houses standing for over 30 years.
Galadima said that most of the officers who supervised buildings in the areas were out of service, adding, “And we don’t know the level of supervision then. We want to be sure that the structures can stand the test of time.”
The director, however, said that not every building that failed the integrity test would be demolished.
He said that sometimes the consultants would give room for remedial measures for the building to stand.
Galadima emphasised that structures that failed integrity tests and beyond remedy will be removed.
He urged people to comply with building regulations as provided by relevant acts and laws.
On the buildings located on Plot 643 Cadastral Zone Bo4, Jabi District, he said that the integrity test revealed that the building may collapse.
He said that after the failed test, the occupants of the four single-storey buildings on the plot were asked to vacate the buildings for their safety but refused to do so.
On the court order, Galadima said that the department would consult the legal secretariat to decide on the next line of action.
During a visit to the affected buildings, Mr Abdulrazak Alao, Deputy Director, Building Inspectorate, North, said that the occupants were served a vacation notice on August 21.
