The Central Regional Directorate of the National Disaster Management Organisation (NADMO) has given residents and business operators occupying unsafe buildings a final 14-day deadline to leave the premises as concerns grow over the impact of the ongoing rainy season.
The directive forms part of efforts to prevent possible disasters caused by the collapse of weak and deteriorating structures across the region.
NADMO said the order was issued in collaboration with Metropolitan, Municipal and District Assemblies (MMDAs) as well as security agencies.
According to the organisation, recent heavy rains have increased the risk of structural failures, especially in old and poorly maintained buildings.
As a result, occupants of buildings identified as dangerous have been instructed to vacate immediately and make alternative arrangements within two weeks.
NADMO stressed that both residential and commercial activities in such buildings must stop without delay to protect lives and property.
The agency warned that continued occupation of unsafe structures could lead to tragic consequences if the buildings collapse during periods of intense rainfall.
In a statement, the organisation noted that buildings that remain occupied after the 14-day grace period may be demolished by the relevant assemblies.
It added that owners of such properties would be responsible for covering the cost of any demolition exercise carried out.
The agency urged residents not to ignore the warning, describing structural safety as a critical issue that should not be taken lightly.
“Property structural integrity is a matter of life and death. Residents should take the necessary precautions and move out of unsafe buildings before it is too late,” the statement said.
The latest directive comes amid growing concerns about the condition of ageing structures in several communities within the Central Region.
Many of these buildings have reportedly suffered years of neglect and have become more vulnerable due to continuous rainfall.
NADMO further appealed to the public to assist in identifying dangerous structures by reporting them to local assemblies or the nearest NADMO office for assessment.
The organisation said it will continue working closely with local authorities and security agencies to enforce the directive and reduce the risk of building-related disasters during the rainy season.
