Second Construction Disaster in a Week: Building Collapse in Rivers State
A tragic incident unfolded on Monday in the Egbelu Mgbaraja area of Ogbogoro Community, located in Rivers State’s Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, when a two-storey building under construction collapsed, resulting in the death of one individual and leaving another with severe injuries.
The collapse, which occurred around 2 p.m., marks the second such event in the locality within a week. Eyewitness Jonathan Obey recounted that the structure gave way while workers were active on the second floor, tragically claiming the life of a young man named Udeme, hailing from Akwa Ibom State. Fortunately, another worker narrowly escaped death but suffered serious injuries.
Obey attributed the disaster to the use of substandard construction materials, indicating that the foundation and structural supports were inadequate for a building of that height. “Upon our arrival, it was evident that inferior materials had been employed in the construction. The foundation was intended for a two-storey building, yet the rods and cement used were of poor quality. Additionally, the decking lacked a central pillar and beam, which ultimately caused the collapse,” Obey noted.
In response to the incident, Rivers State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Evans Bipi, visited the scene, ordered the site to be closed, and declared the developer a wanted individual. Bipi condemned the developer’s negligence, highlighting that the construction was undertaken without the necessary government approval and utilized subpar materials. “We have made it abundantly clear that building without approval will incur serious consequences. The site is now sealed, and the developer is wanted to account for the use of shoddy materials that resulted in a loss of life,” he stated.
Bipi emphasized the government’s commitment to addressing the matter seriously. “This situation is intolerable. We must use this case to set an example,” he cautioned. In a statement released through his media aide, Emeka Idika Kalu, Bipi extended his condolences to the victim’s family, noting that the body would be held in a mortuary, and the location would be made public for family access.
Rivers State Commissioner for Special Duties, Samuel Anya, also expressed his sorrow over the unfortunate event, criticizing the developer’s decision to prioritize profit margin over safety standards. “This is a heart-wrenching situation. Not only was the construction of inferior quality, but it also lacked essential approval. A life has been lost as a result,” Anya lamented. He concluded by affirming that the owner and engineer responsible would be held accountable as the government continues to prioritize the safety of its citizens.
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