Update On Ada George building Collapse: Site engineer to lose freedom
… As RSG orders his immediate arrest
By Jonas Happy
Governor Siminalayi Fubara set to be a no nonsense administrator.In what appears to be proof of the no nonsense posture of the Fubara administration to governance issues, the Rivers State Government has ordered the arrest of the engineer responsible for the construction of the two-stort structure that collapsed Thursday along Okilton Drive at the Ada George axis of the State capital.
The Government thinks he has questions to answer in respect of the disaster at the project site which left about four persons injured.
Dr Tammy Danagogo, Secretary to the State Government, handed down the order of arrest on Friday.
In a statement that he personally endorsed, Danagogo said his arrest as well as other measures being put in place by the government will pave the way for a proper investigation into the circumstances which led to the collapse of the building.
He also announced the immediate closure of the construction site.
Danagogo stated that government has ordered the swift removal of debris and a swift search of the project site to ensure that nobody is trapped underneath the rubble.
Recall that four persons were injured when the building under construction caved in early on Thursday morning.
Part of 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 statement revealed that the State Government has similarly ordered the “urgent constitution of an investigative panel to look into the immediate and remote causes of the collapse” and “bring everyone culpable to book.”
Tammy Danagogo orders the immediate arrest of construction engineer.It further warned professionals in the building sector “to henceforth comply strictly with all necessary regulations”, saying that “the Rivers State Government will not condone any deviation from extant laws and regulations in the sector.”
Danagogo added, “I hereby call on the public to report to the authorities the activities of suspected unauthorised builders across the state.”
Yesterday, the State Commissioner for Special Projects, Emeka Woke, had taken an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and later visited the injured persons in hospital.