A builder identified as Chizoba Aniefuna and his two sons have lost their lives following the collapse of a storey building with pent house at Egbu Umuenem, Otolo Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA of Anambra State.
Also trapped in the building, which was still under construction, was a relative of the builder, who eyewitnesses said was later rescued and rushed to St. Felix Hospital, Nnewi.
When officials of the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN; led by the Anambra State Chairman, Engr. Victor Meju, and the Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North LGA, Engr. Chris Obiora arrived at the scene, manual labourers were seen trying to rescue those trapped in the building; as the excavator brought to help broke down at the site.
Addressing journalists after the dead bodies were brought out from the debris, the Anambra State Chairman of COREN, Engr. Meju explained that poor foundation, poor concrete mixture, poor quality of materials, poor wearing cost capacity, nonconformity to standard, non approval from relevant regulatory authorities led to the avoidable tragedy.
He announced seal-off of the collapse site, adding that the owner of the building, Mr. Chukwunafu Anamanjo will be invited for questioning to aid investigation.
Contributing, the Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North LGA, Engr. Obiora called on people to always make use of certified Engineers and other relevant personnel in the building sector, adding that monitoring teams are also important in ensuring that all stick to standard.
The Sectoral Head of COREN in charge of Nnewi and environs, Engr. Arinze Okwuosa, said his team observe a lot of foul plays in the course of carrying out their job, calling for government intervention to forestall future occurrence.
Credit: Joseph Egbeocha
