By: Imo Thomas –Umuahia.
Abia State Government, working to subject story buildings in the state from two floors and above to integrity test to prevent collapse of buildings in the state.
The Commissioner for Information, Prince Okey Kanu made this known on Tuesday,while addressing journalists, in Government House, Umuahia on the outcome of this week’s State Executive Council meeting chaired by Governor Alex Otti.
He informed that, Last week, an uncompleted three-storey detached bungalow building collapsed somewhere around the Low-Cost Housing area of Umuahia.
“Fortunately, there were no fatilities from the collapse. However, about three people were injured. And fortunately for them as well, the Honourable Commissioner for Health and his team were ready on hand to offer them first aid and later take them to hospital for more comprehensive treatment.
“The site Engineer has been arrested by the police and is currently helping the police in their investigations,” Prince Kanu stated.
Prince Kanu also informed that the road infrastructure revolution of the state government has continued unabated, despite the rainy season.
He said that the road reconstruction activities are going on in 51 locations across the state, saying that out of the number, three were completed and five new ones were added to the basket during the past few weeks.
The Information boss equally said that, in line with the urban renewal beautification programme of the state government, a new roundabout is being constructed in Library Avenue by the Government House Gate.
He added that, the tree planting exercise, which the government had earlier informed the people about, has commenced along the Library Avenue and the Aguiyi Ironsi Boulevard.
He said that, “all these efforts are meant to beautify the state capital, to turn it into a smart city,” he stared.
Contributing, the General Manager, Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA), Mr. Kingsley Agomuo, while informing that government would carry out a thorough investigation on the collapsed building further, disclosed that the State government would carry out integrity test on every building with 2 floors and above.
According to him, the integrity test is to ensure that citizens are fully protected in any building they live in.
“The government has zero tolerance to professional misconduct, and government will do everything possible to ensure that the lives of the citizens in this state are protected.
“In addition, every building above two floors is going to be subjec°ted to an integrity test. This is to assure every citizen that the places you are staying, you are fully protected, and such incidents will not reoccur going forward.
“Every new and already constructed will be subjected to an integrity test.
If you are constructing a new one, it is believed that it has been properly supervised. Because this building in question started construction in 2007.
“Every building before now will be subjected to integrity test. New ones will definitely follow the building regulations and standards.
