Stephen Ukandu, Umuahia
The site engineer overseeing an uncompleted three-storey building that collapsed over the weekend in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, has been arrested and is currently in police custody.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu, while briefing journalists at Government House, Umuahia, on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting, presided over by Governor Alex Otti.
“Last week, an uncompleted three-storey detached building collapsed around the Low-Cost Housing area of Umuahia. Fortunately, there were no fatalities. However, about three people sustained injuries,” Kanu said.
He added that the state’s Commissioner for Health and his team were on ground to administer first aid to the victims before they were transferred to the hospital for further treatment.
“The site engineer has been arrested and is currently assisting the police with their investigations,” he confirmed.
Prince Kanu also spoke on the state’s ongoing infrastructure drive, emphasizing that the government’s road construction and rehabilitation projects are continuing across 51 locations despite the rainy season.
According to him, three roads have recently been completed, while five new ones have been added to the project list in recent weeks.
The completed projects include: reconstruction of failed sections of the Akanu Ibiam–Ohafia Road; maintenance of Eket Street–Niger Road through Calabar Street in Umuahia; and construction of Wosu Road in the Abayi area of Aba.
He also announced the construction of a new roundabout at Library Avenue near the Government House Gate, as part of the administration’s urban renewal and beautification programme.
Tree planting has also commenced along Library Avenue and Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard, as part of efforts to transform the capital into a smart city.
Contributing to the briefing, the General Manager of the Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, said the government will conduct a thorough investigation into the building collapse.
He revealed that all buildings with two floors and above across the state would now undergo integrity tests to guarantee public safety.
“The government has zero tolerance for professional misconduct and is committed to protecting the lives of its citizens,” Agomuo said.
“Every building above two floors—existing or new—will be subjected to an integrity test. For new constructions, we believe they are being properly supervised, but for older structures, especially ones like the collapsed building which began in 2007, thorough assessments will be mandatory.
“This initiative is to assure every resident that the buildings they occupy are structurally sound and safe,” he added.
