The Transition Committee Chairman of Nnewi North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Engr Chris Obiora has called for the establishment of building control agency in the state for monitoring of building constructions to ensure that all concerned stick to specifications and standards.
He also called for legislation to ensure that any building construction in Anambra would have COREN-registered engineer on ground for proper monitoring.
Engr Obiora made the calls at Egbu Umuenem, Otolo Nnewi, Nnewi North LGA of the state where a storey building with penthouse under construction collapsed and killed a man identified as the builder, and his two sons.
Also trapped in the building collapse was a relative of the builder who eyewitnesses said was later rescued and rushed to a hospital in Nnewi.
Addressing journalists after the three dead bodies were brought out from the debris, Engineer Obiora described as unfortunate the collapse of the building.
He called for collaboration between the Anambra State Physical Planning Board and Nnewi Town Planning Authority to ensure that before commencement of any building construction in the area, proper building permit is obtained.
The Nnewi North council boss noted poor quality material, poor workmanship and circumvention of laid down procedures as some of the issues that led to the building collapse, assuring that the council will take necessary steps to forestall future occurrence.
Engr Obiora further harped on the need for experts and trained engineers to always handle any engineering projects to ensure conformity with engineering code of practice.
Meanwhile, some people who claim to be close to the deceased have taken to the social media alleging attempt to shield the actual culprits.
They claimed that Mr Aniefuna and the three others were only doing electrical work in the collapsed building.
Credit: Joseph Egbeocha
