Rivers govt orders arrest of construction engineer

The Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate arrest of the engineer handling the construction of a two-storey building which collapsed along Okilton Drive in Ada George, near Port Harcourt on Thursday.

The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo, gave the order in a statement he personally signed and sent to newsmen.

Dr Danagogo said this and other measures will pave the way for a proper investigation into the circumstances leading to the building’s collapse.

Also, the government ordered the immediate closure of the construction site, and swift launch of search and evacuation of the debris to ensure that nobody was trapped underneath, as the builder claims.

Recall that four persons were injured when the building under construction caved in early on Thursday morning.

The statement read, “In view of the collapse of a two-storey building at Rumuoke Street, off Okilton junction, by Ada George Road, Port Harcourt, the Rivers State Government has taken the following preliminary measures:

“Immediate closure of the construction site, search and evacuation of the debris to ensure that nobody is in fact trapped underneath as the builder claims.

“Direct the immediate arrest of the construction engineer of the collapsed building for proper investigation.

“The urgent constitution of an investigative panel to look into the immediate and remote causes of the collapse, as well as bring everyone culpable to book.

“To further warn professionals in the building sector of our state to henceforth comply strictly with all necessary regulations, as the Rivers State Government will not condone any deviation from extant laws and regulations in the sector.

“And also, I hereby call on the public to report to the authorities the activities of suspected unauthorised builders across the state.”

Recall that the State Commissioner for Special Projects, Emeka Woke, had taken an on-the-spot assessment of the incident and later visited the injured persons in the hospital.