Fighting against anarchic constructions: 157 projects suspended in the Greater Nokoué
The Beninese authorities are stepping up the fight against illegal constructions in the Greater Nokoué area.
chantier de l’Université Nationale des Sciences, Technologies, Ingénierie et Mathématiques (UNSTIM) d’Abomey
A joint brigade, made up of the Republican Police, the Ministry of Living Environment and Transport responsible for Sustainable Development and the Municipalities, has been deployed to ensure strict adherence to regulations regarding urban planning and building permits.
This control team has been tasked with verifying the conformity and implementation of construction sites in relation to prevailing regulations. According to information provided by the Republican Police, 157 unregulated constructions were suspended during the month of March 2025 in an area in the south of the country.
Despite these deterrent actions, some owners continue their construction work outside any legal framework. They start construction projects without building permits, thus exposing themselves to major risks, both for the workers and the future occupants.
A striking example is the collapse of a R+3 building under construction at Togbin Fandji, in the Godomey district (Abomey-Calavi municipality), which occurred last July 23. The building, erected without prior authorization, collapsed during the construction phase, revealing once again the dangers of unregulated practices in the construction sector.
In response to this situation, the authorities reiterate their determination to sanitize the urban environment and prevent new tragedies. They call on citizens to comply with current regulations, particularly by obtaining a building permit before starting any construction project.