Rivers combs rubble for building collapse victims, begins probe

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Rivers combs rubble for building collapse victims, begins probe

The Rivers State Government has continued the search for possible trapped victims in the two-storey building, which collapsed along Okilton Drive in Ada George, near Port Harcourt on Thursday.

The government also ordered the immediate arrest of the engineer handling the project.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, who gave the order in a statement on Friday, noted that this and other measures would pave the way for a proper investigation into the circumstances leading to the building collapse.

Also, the government ordered the immediate closure of the construction site and the commencement of search and evacuation of the debris to ensure that nobody was trapped underneath as the builder claimed.

Four persons were injured when the building under construction caved in early on Thursday morning.

The statement read, “In view of the collapse of a two-storey building at Rumuoke Street, off Okilton junction, by Ada George Road, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Government has taken the following preliminary measures: Immediate closure of the construction site, search and evacuation of the debris to ensure that nobody is in fact trapped underneath as the builder claims.

“Direct the immediate arrest of the construction engineer of the collapsed building for proper investigation; the urgent constitution of an investigative panel to look into the immediate and remote causes of the collapse as well as bring everyone culpable to book.”

The state government warned building professionals to comply strictly with building regulations.

The statement added, “To further warn professionals in the building sector of our state to henceforth comply strictly with all necessary regulations as the Rivers State Government will not condone any deviation from extant laws and regulations in the sector; and we hereby call on the public to report to the authorities, activities of suspected unauthorised builders across the state.”

The state Commissioner for Special Projects, Emeka Woke, had conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and later visited the injured persons in the hospital.