Rivers State has been shaken by its fourth building collapse in just three months after a three-story structure under construction at Aboga along the Igwuruta-Etche road in Ikwerre Local Government Area crumbled around 1:30 p.m. on Saturday, leaving seven workers injured.
Despite the alarming collapse, there were no fatalities. But the alarming frequency of these incidents has raised serious concerns about safety standards in the region, Hitvibz reports.
Eyewitness accounts and rapid rescue efforts
Eyewitnesses recount a scene of chaos as the building crumbled. Some workers were able to jump to safety, while others were trapped beneath the rubble.
Quick-thinking locals, armed with axes, began rescuing victims before authorities arrived.
The rescue operation involved a coordinated effort between the community, the Ikwerre Local Government, and the Rivers State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.
Seven of the nine workers were rescued with varying injuries, including one person who was retrieved late in the evening and transported to a hospital.
Government’s response to the 4th building collapse in Rivers State
The incident has prompted strong reactions from the Rivers State government. Rt. Hon. Evans Bipi, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, expressed concern over the rising number of building collapses in the state.
He attributed the collapse to the use of substandard materials, notably the use of 12mm rods in the decking, a clear violation of construction regulations.
The ministry has sealed the property and demanded the developer present a valid building plan.
This incident marks the fourth building collapse in the State within the last three months, fueling public outrage over the safety standards in the area.
The government has vowed to crack down on developers violating building codes, emphasizing that no further leniency will be shown towards those endangering lives for cost-cutting measures.
“Let me warn that we will no longer condone a situation where some builders will continue to violate the building code including building without government-approved building plan and compromising safety standards by using substandard materials in a bid to save cost,” the commissioner said.
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