Abia State Mandates Elevators for Three-Storey Buildings to Improve Safety and Accessibility

 

The Abia State Government has announced a strict new regulation for property developers: no three-storey building will be approved without an elevator.

This policy, aimed at enhancing safety, accessibility, and overall building standards, was disclosed by Architect Uche Ukeje, General Manager of the Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), during a training session for the Building Control Unit personnel.

According to Ukeje, who was represented by Mr. Enyinnaya Romanus, Head of the Building Control Unit, the government is committed to ensuring that buildings are, structurally sound and safe, designed to accommodate all users, including the elderly and disabled and equipped with proper drainage and waste disposal systems

“Before now, there was nothing like building control in Aba. Now, before you cast your foundation, there are certain approvals you must obtain. At every stage of construction, we will inspect to ensure compliance. GADA won’t allow sharp practices.”

To prevent building collapse and ensure compliance, the agency will now conduct stage-by-stage monitoring and supervision of all construction projects. Developers must meet strict requirements, including: elevators for any building with three or more floors, proper drainage and waste disposal plans and strict adherence to approved building designs

“No developer will receive further approval if there are no provisions for elevators in storey buildings with three floors. Also, we must approve drainage and waste disposal systems before construction continues. The era of piping waste into drainage systems is over.”

The government has also introduced strict enforcement measures to hold developers accountable. Developers who fail to comply will have their projects halted and violators may face arrest and prosecution if they do not correct violations within the given timeframe

“We are not against developers, but we must ensure that buildings are safe, fit, and habitable. The economic loss from a collapsed building is huge, and we want to prevent such tragedies.”

GADA has digitalized its operations to make building approvals and monitoring more efficient. Developers can now: check the status of their projects online, receive real-time updates on compliance issues and easily verify reasons for any stop-work orders

Additionally, the agency is collaborating with environmental health officials to enforce environmental laws and prosecute violators.

“We have carried out adequate sensitization to educate residents on the need to protect the environment. This is a new era for building control in Abia.”

With these new regulations, Abia State is taking a bold step towards modern, safe, and environmentally friendly construction practices, ensuring a better urban future for all.