The Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate and complete closure of the site of the five-storey building that collapsed in Port Harcourt on Wednesday, leaving one person dead and several others injured.
The State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, gave the directive when he visited the scene of the disaster to assess the extent of the damage and receive firsthand information on the tragic incident.
The governor declared that the site would remain sealed until the state government concludes its investigation and determines the root cause of the building collapse.
READ ALSO: Rivers State: NESREA Launches Carbon Capture Platform
Describing the incident as unfortunate and avoidable, Governor Fubara disclosed that preliminary findings indicated that the developer had repeatedly refused to allow state authorities to inspect the project and had failed to comply with established building regulations.
He explained that he delayed his visit until he received an official briefing from relevant government agencies.
“We’re here to see for ourselves the very unfortunate incident that took place here. I didn’t come yesterday because I wanted to get the report first,” the governor said.
According to him, the Commissioner had informed him that the developer claimed the property was under the jurisdiction of the Federal Housing Authority and therefore outside the control of the Rivers State Government.
Governor Fubara stressed that the matter had gone beyond issues of jurisdiction, noting that a life had been lost and several families had been affected by the tragedy.
He extended condolences to the family of the deceased and sympathised with those injured, insisting that the incident could have been prevented if the developer had complied with modern engineering standards and building regulations.
“We feel very sorry and regretful that such an incident should be happening in this 21st century. Technology has advanced and engineering has developed. I wonder what kind of engineer would allow this kind of project to go on when everything about it from inception has been faulty,” he said.
The Governor reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property.
He added that no activity would be permitted at the site until investigations are completed and those responsible are held accountable.
Governor Fubara was accompanied by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Hart, and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Special Duties, Dabite Sokari George.
