Following the collapse of a three story building under construction along Azikiwe road Aba, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu has ordered the immediate suspension of the Executive secretary of Aba South Town Planning authority
Governor Ikpeazu also vowed to prosecute those found culpable in the collapsed building which killed four persons and injured several others.
Speaking when he visited the site of the collapsed building to access progress of the rescue mission, the Governor noted that preliminary information indicated that the plan for the building was yet to be approved adding that on site evaluations indicated that the materials used to construct the collapsed part of the structure was sub-standard.
The Governor who had earlier directed the Abia State Environmental Protection Agency (ASEPA) and the Aba South LGA Town Planning Authority to immediately ensure full and safe demolition,ordered for additional excavators and tippers to be brought to the site immediately to aid in the removal of debris.
“This kind of shady construction should not happen under the the watch of anybody and I understand that the police have apprehended the builder.
“Let this serve as a warning to all those who embark on construction without approval, if you look at what is being brought out here, you’ll see that the concrete mix for this construction is so poor even the size of the rods.
“This was just an accident waiting to happen. If it hasn’t happened before now it would also had happened in future.
“Proper documentation was not done for the will get to the bottom of the situation, Ikpeazu said.
He warned that government will not tolerate a repeat of the situation where buildings are indiscriminately erected without proper approval and supervision, and assured that government will get to the root of the matter as well as prosecute those involved.
Ikpeazu further warned all those who involve in construction and use their materials to block drainages in Aba, especially Osusu road to desist from such practises adding that government will no longer tolerate such attitude.
“It is happening in Osusu road now as I speak. If that kind of behaviour and attitude continues, I will not only hold the builder responsible but also suspend the executive secretary of the town planning authority involved. Government will get to the bottom of the situation.
