The Police in Abia state have arrested the site engineer handling the uncompleted three-storey building that collapsed over the weekend in Umuahia. The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, disclosed this while addressing journalists in Government House, Umuahia on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
Prince Kanu said, “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 took them to the hospital for more comprehensive treatment.
“The site Engineer has been arrested by the police and is currently helping the police in their investigations.” The Commissioner, who also spoke on ongoing infrastructure works, added that the road infrastructure revolution of the state government has continued unabated, despite the rainy season.
He said that the road reconstruction activities are going on in 51 locations across the state, saying that out of the number, three were completed and five new ones were added to the basket during the past few weeks.
The Commissioner said that the three completed road construction works include the reconstruction of the failed sections of Akanu Ibiam-Ohafia Road, maintenance of Eket Street-Niger Road through Calabar in Umuahia, and the construction of Wosu Road-Abayi in Aba. He also listed other roads that are currently undergoing maintenance and reconstruction across the state.
Kanu also said that, in line with the urban renewal beautification programme of the state government, a new roundabout is being constructed in Library Avenue by the Government House Gate. He added that the tree planting exercise, which the government had earlier informed the people about, has commenced along the Library Avenue and the Aguiyi-Ironsi Boulevard.
He said: “All these efforts are meant to beautify the state capital, to turn it into a smart city.”
Also in his remarks, the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, said that the government would carry out an integrity test on every building with two floors and above.
The integrity test is to ensure that citizens are fully protected in any building they live in, according to Agomuo. “The government has zero tolerance to professional misconduct, and the government will do everything possible to ensure that the lives of the citizens in this state are protected.
“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 building will be subjected to an integrity test. If you are constructing a new one, it is believed that it has been properly supervised. Because this building in question started construction in 2007. Every building before now will be subjected to integrity test. New ones will definitely follow the building regulations and standards,” Agomuo stressed.
