Workers feared trapped as three-storey building collapses in Rivers

A three-storey building under construction collapsed in Iriebe in Oboo/Akpor Local Government Area of Rivers State on Tuesday.

PUNCH Metro gathered that construction was ongoing on the third floor of the structure when the building caved in.

Our correspondent who visited the scene reports that it was difficult to access the lower part of the building due to the swampy nature of the place.

A source residing near the scene told our correspondent that he saw some workers working at the site when he was going to work earlier in the morning.

According to him, “It was this morning it happened, but I can’t say for sure if there are human casualties though I saw workers on the site today.”

Meanwhile, the Chairman of Ohio/Akpor Local Government Area of the State, Chijioke Ihunwo, has ordered the immediate closure of the site.

Ihunwo, during a visit to the site on Tuesday afternoon, Ihunwo directed the owner of the building and the contractor handling the job to report to his office on Wednesday morning.

He said they were to come with the necessary documents and building approval.

The Obio/Akpor LG chairman described the incident as unfortunate and expressed fears that there could be workers under the rubble.

He stated, “It is quite unfortunate that this incident just occurred. We have as a local government closed down this particular site.

“We have also instructed the owner of the building to give us approval from the local government and the Ministry of Urban Development. For now, we cannot ascertain if anybody was inside this building or if any life was lost.

“So, we have communicated to the owner that we want to see him tomorrow (Wednesday) by 10am. We however appeal to those living within the area to remain calm while this place is being sealed off till further notice.”

He also expressed sadness over the quality of materials used in the construction and promised to work with the state Ministry of Urban Development to begin a thorough investigation into the incident.

Ihunwo added, “You can see that the materials that they are using here are sub+standard. That is why we have invited the person who claims to own this place to come and tell us why he is using sub-standard materials to build this kind of mansion.

“We are also going to consult the Ministry of Urban Development with our findings to know if the ministry approved the building plan before we take further action.”