Ekiti State Governor, Mr Biodun Abayomi Oyebanji has approved the establishment of Building Control Department in the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as part of concerted efforts to strengthening the building profession and preventing the collapse of buildings in the state.

The State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Rt Hon.Karounwi Oladapo made this known while playing host to representatives of the Ekiti State Chapter of the
Nigerian Institute of Builders, in Ado Ekiti.

The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Borode who received the team on behalf of the commissioner commended the efforts of the Governor to reposition the building sector.

Emphasising the need for observing the building regulations by the people, he
warned property developers across the state against violations of building regulations .

The Commissioner said that the Ministry has been embarking on close monitoring of buildings across the state to checkmate use of substandard materials and the indiscriminate construction of buildings on riverbanks, flood plains, setbacks to roads and under power lines.

He further advised the intending property developers to always obtain approval from the relevant government agencies before embarking on any building project adding that a new law was already in place in the State that prohibits non architects and non engineers from designing and constructing of buildings with more than one floor

According to the Commissioner, the Ministry will not hesitate to demolish any structure erected without observing building regulations to curtail dangers inherent in it.

Karounwi who said government was working round the clock to provide conducive environment for the citizenry ,stressed the commitment of the present administration to their wellbeing

Speaking on the area of synergy between the Ministry and the Institute, the commissioner assured the team that the Ministry would always absorb their students on Industrial Training.

Earlier in his remarks, the President of the Institute, Mr Gbenga Aladetuyi called for collaboration in the area of proper monitoring of buildings to prevent further occurrence of building collapse in the state

He also requested for absorption of students of the institute who come for industrial training in the Ministry to have practical experience on the job.