(Ecofin Agency) - For several years, Côte d'Ivoire has been facing an increase in unregulated constructions that endanger many lives. Since the beginning of 2023, three buildings have already collapsed, resulting in over 20 deaths.

In Côte d'Ivoire, a six-story building under construction collapsed in Cocody (east of Abidjan) on Friday, June 30. This resulted in the death of eight people.

According to Anadolu Agency, the victims include three Beninese plasterers and five Ivorians (two laborers and three tilers). There were also nine injuries, involving Burkinabes and Ivorians.

The Ministry of Construction stated that the construction site was unauthorized and had been under scrutiny since 2021. Despite multiple orders to halt construction works,  they reportedly continued.

An investigation is underway to determine the exact circumstances of this tragedy. Following his visit to the scene on Saturday, the Minister of Construction, Bruno Koné, hinted that the unfortunate event may be due to the technical complexities not being met for the building.

It is worth noting that this is unfortunately not the first time such a tragedy is occurring in Abidjan. Due to the real estate boom, sometimes in an unregulated manner, these tragic incidents have become recurrent. In February and March 2023, thirteen people lost their lives in the collapse of two buildings, one under unauthorized construction and the other illegally built.

To address this ongoing situation, the Ivorian government announced in March 2022 the creation of a joint inspection brigade. This body includes relevant services from municipalities, districts, and the Urban Sanitation and Drainage Directorate.

Besides creating the brigade, additional measures were announced. These include the issuance of certificates of compliance and imposing sanctions on officials who permit unauthorized construction.

Moutiou Adjibi Nourou