Some residents of Port Harcourt are calling for proper investigations into the cause of buildings collapse in the state.
Reacting to the collapse of the two-storey building, off Okilton Drive in Ada George Road axis on Thursday, 29th June 2023, they want the Standard Organization of Nigeria (SON) to look into the production and sale of building materials
One of the eye witness told our correspondent that, “there are fake materials everywhere.”
"All these construction materials should be properly monitored during and after production,” he said.
The 4.5mm rod we know is no longer what it is. The organization (SON) should make sure they produce original materials."
Another resident, a trader who lives close by the scene noted that “engineers and building owners are known for managing materials and lack of patience when undertaking a building project.
“They want to build a house in less than 4 months bypassing the normal procedure. They manage cement and other materials, they don't consider the strength of the land before mounting a building on it, this is why we have buildings collapsing every day,” she lamented insisting that “the government should look into it.”
Our correspondent visited the site of the building collapse that injured four persons and reports that evacuation of rubbles is ongoing with the scene has been completely sealed off from public access.
Nigeria Info can confirm that those injured are now receiving treatment
Meanwhile, Secretary to the State Government, Tammy Danagogo has ordered the immediate arrest of the construction engineer of the building.
Dr Danagogo, in a statement, said the construction site will remain closed as proper investigation into the cause of the collapse begins.
The Secretary to the state government said an investigative panel has been set up to look into the cause of the collapse and bring anyone culpable to justice.
He adds that a search and evacuation of debris are ongoing to ensure that nobody is trapped under the rubble.
The statement warned all professionals in the building sector to comply strictly with all necessary regulations. He said the State Government will not condone any deviation from the existing laws and regulations in the sector.
Also, the Commissioner for Special Projects Emeka Woke, carried out an on-the-spot assessment hours after the collapse.
“The first thing we did on getting here was to carry out a personnel audit of which we have a record that no life was lost, although we got information that four persons sustained injuries,” Woke said.
“The Governor has asked that the site be sealed up until proper investigations have been done to ascertain the actual cause of the building collapse," he added.
Mr Woke insisted that all those involved in the building process will be invited to give an account of their role.
"We would interrogate and audit the actions of all professionals handling this project. We want to find out if their actions are in order, as that is the position of government. We would direct the security agencies to properly direct the movement of residents around the vicinity. The next building just by the collapsed one was not affected in any way, therefore it is important that we carry out a probe as to why this one collapsed," he said
Isa Iyebene, the engineer scheduled to carry out the integrity test on the collapsed noted that the process will try to determine if the problem is “a foundation failure, or a failure of the structure itself.”
Iyebene said the process will start “as soon as possible and we hope to get the result in a minimum of two weeks.”
