Okenyi Kenechi
The Rivers State Government on Friday evening said that it will launch a comprehensive investigation into the immediate and remote causes of the collapsed 7-storey building under construction at Woji Road of New GRA Port Harcourt.
The State Government also declared that it will ensure that all persons trapped under the rubble of the 7-storey collapsed building are rescued.
The 7-storey building said to belong to Swizz Hotel international collapsed on Friday evening wounding unspecified number people with an estimated 30 persons trapped under the rubble.
At least 28 persons were rescued alive Friday evening with one person declared dead while government-assisted rescue efforts are on to rescue the rest of the trapped workers.
The cause of the collapse is unknown yet but structural engineers who spoke to theportcitynews said that for such a building to fall, it usually arises from structural defects.
But speaking at the site of the collapsed building on Friday Night, Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor, Engr Chukwuemeka Woke said that about 20 persons have been rescued alive, while emergency personnel mobilised by the Rivers State Government are working round the clock to rescue more trapped persons.
Engr Woke said that leading officials of the Rivers State Government including the Secretary to the Rivers State Government, Hon Kenneth Kobani, the Attorney General of Rivers State, Zacheus Adangor, Commissioner of Information, Emma Okah, Commissioner of Special Duties, Emeka Onowu and Commissioner of Sports, Mr Boma Iyaye will be on ground.
Also on ground were the State Commissioner of Energy, Dr John Bazia, Mayor of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area, Mr Victor Ihunwo Nyeche, Chairman of Etche Local Government Area, Obinna Anyanwu, Special Adviser to the Rivers State Governor on Special Projects, Alabo George Kerley and Member of the House of Assembly, Mr Enemi Alabo George.
He said that the State Government has mobilised the State Fire Service, Civil Defence, Police, Ministry of Works and Construction giants to participate in the massive rescue operation.
“All the relevant agencies and organisations needed for the rescue operation have been mobilised by the Rivers State Government.
“So far, about 20 persons have been rescued alive, while one person has been confirmed dead. The comprehensive rescue operation is ongoing and we continue till the last person is rescued.
“This is an unfortunate incident. The Rivers State Government will launch an inquiry into this building collapse. Anybody found to have contravened the law will face the full weight of the law”, the Chief of Staff to the Rivers State Governor said.
