Umuahia Building Collapse: Site Engineer in Custody As Abia Conducts Integrity Tests on Structures above 2 Storeys

The site engineer handling the uncompleted three-storey building that collapsed over the weekend in Umuahia has been arrested by the State Police Command.

This is as the State government has disclosed that it would henceforth carry out integrity tests on every building, new and old, above two floors.

The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu made the disclosure at a press briefing in Government House, Umuahia following this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.

Kanu confirmed that no fatalities were recorded from the collapse, noting that the three injured persons from the incident are receiving more comprehensive treatment under the supervision of the State commissioner for Health.

“Last week, an uncompleted three-storey detached bungalow building collapsed somewhere around the Low-Cost Housing area of Umuahia. Fortunately, there were no fatalities from the collapse.

“However, about three people were injured. And fortunately for them as well, the Honourable Commissioner for Health and his team were ready on hand to offer them first aid and later take them to hospital for more comprehensive treatment.”

Contributing, the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo maintained that a detailed and thorough investigation will be carried out to determine the actual cause of the collapse to forestall future occurrences.

Agomuo advised members of the public to get approvals before embarking on any building project and ensure that the construction is done in accordance with the approved plan as government would no longer tolerate professional misconduct.

“The government has zero tolerance to professional misconduct, and government will do everything possible to ensure that the lives of the citizens in this state are protected.” Agomuo said.

“In addition, every building above two floors is going to be subjected to an integrity test. This is to assure every citizen that the places you are staying, you are fully protected, and such incidents will not reoccur going forward.

“Every new and already constructed will be subjected to an integrity test.
If you are constructing a new one, it is believed that it has been properly supervised.”