Collapse of a building in Akouédo-Palmeraie: The reaction of the Ministry of Construction which announces an investigation

In Ivory Coast, building collapse continues despite the measures taken by the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Urban Planning (MCLU). And this through the Construction and Housing Code. Despite these provisions, on Tuesday June 4, 2024, around 11:45 a.m., a three-story building, operational for around ten years on lot no. 181 of block no. 14 of the “Akouédo Palmeraie le triangle” subdivision in Cocody, collapsed. On this occasion, the reaction of the said ministry was not to be expected. Better still, three members of the government were at the bedside of the wounded as soon as this strategy occurred. They are the Minister of Health, Public Hygiene and Universal Health Coverage, Pierre N’gou Dimba; Amedé Kouakou, in charge of Road Maintenance and Equipment, as well as Myss Belmonde Dogo, Minister of Solidarity and the Fight against Poverty.

In a press release released this Wednesday, June 5, 2024, the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Urban Planning (MCLU) indicated that while awaiting the results of future investigations, it has been established that the collapse of the structure occurred following excavation work on a construction site of a seven-story building with basement, located nearby.

According to the ministry, the project owner of this project, Société Civile Immobilière HALI (SCI HALI) should comply with certain provisions. Provisions including an agreement with an architect and a contract with a risk control and standardization office, as well as the holding of a Building Permit which specifies the installation of works to protect the walls of the excavations to preserve the constructions neighbors. The ministry bluntly asserts that the project manager (the control office) and the project owner (SCI HALI) undertook these excavations in violation of the construction rules required for such a building.

Following these failings, Mclu is committed to clarifying the circumstances of this tragic event. The Ministry of Construction deplores that this situation arises despite the legislative and regulatory framework in place, as well as regular awareness campaigns addressed to project owners and all professionals in the sector. “The construction inspector is responsible for defects and incidents due to poor control of the execution of the work. However, the client remains responsible for the stability of the building,” recalled the Mlcu, in accordance with article 37 of the Construction and Housing Code. To this end, the ministry warns that legal action will be taken against the project owner or owner as well as the professionals whose responsibility will be established in this incident.

Furthermore, the Ministry of Construction, Housing and Urban Planning insisted on the crucial importance of good citizenship and strict compliance with construction regulations. To all players in the sector, professionals or individuals, the ministry reminds that compliance with the rules and standards in force is imperative, under penalty of criminal sanctions.

The Mclu therefore called for the individual and collective responsibility of everyone to guarantee the safety of all. Good citizenship and compliance with regulations are essential values ​​to prevent such tragedies in the future.