Governor Siminalayi Fubara has ordered the total closure of the construction site along Odili Road following the tragic collapse of a multi-storey building earlier this week. The Governor, who visited the scene on Thursday, has vowed that the site will remain sealed until a thorough investigation uncovers the "root cause" of the disaster.
The incident, which occurred mid-morning on Wednesday, resulted in one confirmed fatality and left several others injured. While rescue operations have concluded, the collapse has sparked a fierce debate over regulatory oversight and construction safety in the state.
Jurisdictional Disputes and Defiance
During his visit, Governor Fubara expressed deep frustration regarding the conduct of the project developer. While the developer had previously claimed the construction site was under the jurisdiction of the Federal Housing Authority and therefore exempt from state government interference, the Governor revealed that state officials had made multiple attempts to inspect the project.
"The Commissioner [for Physical Planning and Urban Development] briefed me that the site... is not as claimed by the developer; that it's not under the jurisdiction of the state," the Governor stated. "He also informed me that when the project was ongoing, they came here several times to inspect... but unfortunately, the developer kept claiming that we don't have any right to interfere."
Governor Fubara criticized the developer’s resistance, noting that had the necessary building regulations and engineering standards been followed, the loss of life could have been prevented.
A Modern-Day Failure
The Governor lamented the state of construction safety in the 21st century, questioning why such a project was allowed to proceed despite apparent structural warning signs.
"We feel sorry and very regretful that such an incident should be happening in the 21st century," Fubara added. "I wonder what kind of engineer would even allow this kind of project to go on when everything about it, from inception, has been faulty."
Ongoing Investigation
As the site remains under a permanent seal-off, the State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development is spearheading an investigation to hold those responsible accountable. The collapse has been particularly alarming for residents, as it marks the second building failure in Rivers State within a 48-hour window the previous incident having occurred in the Iwofe area.
The state government has indicated that it will not tolerate further defiance of building codes, warning that all construction projects in Rivers State will be subject to strict oversight moving forward, regardless of their claimed administrative status.
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