By Okechukwu Onuegbu
Anambra State governor, Professor Chukwuma Soludo, Tuesday, vowed to pulldown buildings constructed without approvals by the relevant authorities in the State.
Soludo, who stated this in a statement signed by his Press Secretary, Mr Christian Aburime, announced that markets in the State would equally undergo integrity tests to identify and remove unsafe structures.
The governor's statement came as a result of a collapsed buildings at Odu-Igbo Market, Ochanja in Onitsha South, on Monday, where 26 individuals were rescued and hospitalized, five casualties recorded, with rescue efforts ongoing to locate those still trapped under the rubbles.
He said, "All buildings constructed without proper approval will be brought down henceforth, including structures currently under construction at other markets. A comprehensive inventory of buildings in Anambra markets and public places will be conducted.
"Markets will undergo integrity tests to identify and remove potentially unsafe structures and individuals found responsible for illegal construction will face legal consequences. We can't afford to waste one life because of the greed of a few.
"The hospital bills of those receiving treatment will be undertaken by the government and expressed deep condolences to the families of those who lost their lives. He emphasized his commitment to tackling the issue of illegal constructions and impunity in the state.
"The contractor at his own cost will come and put down the illegal buildings he erected here. They are all going to come down. My government did not approve of this building. We will redesign this area and build it properly."