Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate arrest of the construction engineer in charge of a two-storey building which collapsed on Thursday morning, in the state.
The Secretary to the State Government, Dr Tammy Danagogo in a statement he signed, said the arrest and other measures will pave way for proper investigation into the circumstances leading to the collapse.
Danagogo also said search and evacuation of debris to ensure that nobody is trapped has commenced.
CAPITAL POST gathered that four persons were injured when the building under construction located at Rumuoke Street, off Okilton junction, by Ada George Road, Port Harcourt, caved in.
According to the statement, “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.”
