Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara has ordered the immediate closure of the site of a collapsed building on Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt, pending the outcome of investigations into the incident that claimed lives.
Speaking on Thursday when he visited the site, the governor expressed sadness over the tragedy and condoled with the families of the victims.
Gov. Fubara attributed his delay to the site on his decision to receive a briefing on the incident from appropriate authorities, revealed that information available indicated that the project fell within the jurisdiction of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA) rather than the Rivers State Government.
According to him, state officials had repeatedly attempted to inspect the building while construction was going on to assess compliance with safety standards, adding that reports say the developer allegedly resisted such inspections, insisting that the state government had no authority over the project.
The governor who was accompanied by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Amairigha Edward Hart, stressed that the state’s concern was never about interference but about safeguarding lives and ensuring adherence to construction regulations.
Governor Fubara who described the incident as unfortunate and avoidable questioned how a project with apparent structural concerns could have progressed despite advancements in engineering and building technology.
He lamented the loss of lives, noting that such incidents should not occur in modern times when professional standards and safety measures are expected to guide construction activities.
The governor assured affected families of the government’s support and vowed that no further work would take place at the site until investigators determine the exact cause of the collapse.
He therefore directed that the premises remain completely sealed while authorities carry out a comprehensive probe into the circumstances surrounding the disaster.
