Building Collapse In Onitsha: Obiano Sets Up Probe Panel, Material Laboratory

Odogwuemekaodogwu.com reports that Governor Willie Obiano and the Commander of 302 Artillery Regiment, Onitsha, Col A.J Fagge, today visited the scene of the collapse of four storey building in Onitsha that killed 15 people to have an on the spot assessment of the extent of the damages.

odogwuemekaodogwu.com reports that Governor Obiano expressed sadness over the calamity and pledged to set up an investigative panel of Enquiry to look into the cause and way to avoid future occurrence.

He added that a unique quality laboratory would be commissioned in two weeks’ time that would be best in the south east.

The Governor who was flanked by his Deputy, Nkem Okeke, said, “I am very sad that we lost lives, we will investigative it, the public will know that a quality lab will be commissioned in two weeks time in the state, any builder will be compelled to go to this lab before embarking on any building”.

“This is to ensure that the calamity we experienced Monday will not repeat itself again”.

The Governor who was on arrival received by the Anglican Bishop on the Niger, Rt. Rev. Owen Nwokolo, reiterated that the laboratory would work like National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control, NAFDAC adding, “that will work like the drug market. They will go to the market and know the quality of rods and what have you”.

“I call on the builders to ensure they don’t cut corners, that they use quality materials in buildings”.

“We will find out from the builders what happened”.

Also reacting, the State Vice Chairman of Nigeria Red Cross Society, Prof. Peter Emeka Katchy, expressed satisfaction that the Governor has pledged to set up a panel of enquiry and laboratory describing it as a welcome development.

Professor Katchy stressed the need for buildings to be properly approved before any construction work would take place.

According to him poor materials and management could also lead to building collapse, odogwuemekaodogwu.com concludes.