Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) Rivers State Chapter Mr Asomba Andrew Egbuonu has issued a statement saying over 100 persons were on site when the seven-storey building under construction collapsed in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.
Egbuonu said the structure sank under its own weight.
Viewpoint Housing News presents below full text of his statement:
Collapse of 7-storey building under construction at Woji Road, GRA 2, Port Harcourt
FACTS:
Building is a luxury hotel development under intensive construction as at the time the structure suddenly sank under its own weight around 5:00pm.
At the time of the collapse, over a hundred workers and food vendors were in the building receiving their wages and waiting for payments.
Majority of those trapped or crushed inside the building were around the ground floor and basement.
First responders arrived within minutes (firemen, ambulances and the police).
CAUSE OF BUILDING COLLAPSE:
Cause or causes of this tragedy will take some time to unravel.
However, the usual suspects come to mind.
*Design Team to be investigated. Whether professionals were involved or not.
* Whether there was any correct Geo-physical Test and Investigation carried out to aid the design process (especially the Structural Design).
* The Plan Approval Officers (whether the right professionals were involved in the vetting of the Architectural, Structural and other Design submissions). All the professionals should carry out this function, and this is probably not the case.
* The Post Contract Stage and whether the right professionals (architects, engineers and builders) were involved in the supervision of the construction.
* Quality of the materials used for the construction. If they conform with the Design Specifications.
* Inspections and Compliance by the Building and Development Control Authorities (which hardly happens).
The Chair, Rivers State Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Architects met the Chief of Staff to the Governor, some Commissioners and Special Advisers, on Site. The gaps in the application of the extant laws and regulations were pointed out to the Government Team on Site. The COS promised a follow up with the Built Environment Professionals.
Finally, these tragedies shall continue to repeat all over the country until government decides to engage the professionals in the Built Environment positively.
Arc Asomba Andrew Egbuonu, Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Architects Rivers Chapter
