Imo State Governor, Governor Rochas Okorocha has warned
against the use of non-professionals and substandard materials in the
construction of buildings by builders, stating that the non-engagement
of engineers and other related professionals and the use of inferior
materials remain the major causes of building Collapse.
Governor Okorocha spoke on Sunday August 13, when he
visited the site of a collapsed upstair building at Fire Service Area of
Owerri, adding that his government would look into the cause of the
building regretting that before now few other houses had also collapsed.
The three- storey building collapsed, killing four persons
on the spot while three out of the seven survivors were severely
wounded. Among the dead are 18 - month old baby girl, Osinachi Nnabu, a
three -year - old boy, Amara and two adults. Two corps members and 40 -
year -old man simply identified as Anoruo, who were trapped in the
building when it collapsed are in coma and doctors at the police clinic,
Owerri, battling to save their lives.
The Governor advised those who want to build to engage the
services of professionals and ensure the use of quality materials, and
equally advised that people should stop building on dredges, gutters and
even sucker-ways.
"I was shocked to hear of this building collapse around
this area of the city, precisely along stadium and Egbu road. In this
disaster, six people were rescued while four persons were confirmed
dead. I learnt that Owerri Capital Development Authority has initially
sealed this structure against further work but the landlord stubbornly
carried on with the construction, adding an additional floor to existing
storey building”.
He added, “The next building I understand is owned by the
same landlord suffers the same fate. So, I have ordered that the two
buildings go down without delay to safeguard against further occurrence
and also to serve as a deferent to overzealous landlords and contractors
who are involved in this type of mess”.
"Government henceforth will setup building departments
separate from OCDA for standards and regulation. Qualified Engineers are
henceforth to sample, test and supervise every structure and their
construction in the city and suburbs. We as a government can no longer
fold our hands and watch landlords and unqualified engineers waste or
endanger the lives of our people. All buildings must be inspected and
given certification”.
According him, “Owerri, being the fastest growing city in
Nigeria is a good development but that is no reason for our people to
build anyhow or anywhere for safety reasons. One of the survivors lost a
child and I commend the commissioner of Police and the Red Cross for
their early intervention. Government will strive to see avenues to find
the survivors a means of livelihood while we pray that God grants the
dead victims a sweet repose”.
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