Determined to checkmate occasional cases of building collapse, the Ekiti State Government has vowed to henceforth deal with developers contravening extant rules and regulations in the State.
The government said such action became expedient to safeguard the lives of the people and curtail actions of developers, who often circumvent the rules mandating them to get proper approvals and build to specifications.
The Ekiti State Deputy Governor, Chief (Mrs) Monisade Afuye, handed down the threat on Friday in Ado Ekiti while receiving the report of the six-man committee set up to probe the collapse of F & G Event Centre at Ijero Ekiti recently.
The building, located along Ijero-Ido road, had on September 3, 2023, suddenly collapsed on over 300 occupants during a burial reception held in the hall, leading to scores being injured in the ensuing melee.
Receiving the report, on Friday, Mrs Afuye said the government will consider the committee’s recommendations to curtail unprofessional conducts of some developers.
She appreciated the committee on behalf of Governor Biodun Oyebanji for doing a thorough job, saying the Governor is favourably disposed to taking any action that will ensure safety of the citizens and curtail professional misconduct among developers.
“Let me appreciate you for doing a thorough job. Safety of our people is very dear to Governor Oyebanji. We thank God that no life was lost during the incident. But we must guard against reoccurrence of such an incident.
“I want to assure you that all the recommendations shall be looked into and the necessary actions shall be taken on this matter,” she said.
As contained in the report submitted by the Chairman of the Committee and Permanent Secretary, Office of the Deputy Governor, Mr. Abayomi Opeyemi, the body called for outright demolition of the Event Centre for non-compliance with building rules and regulations.
