Okenyi Kenechi
As rescue efforts at the Woji Road collapsed 7-storey building enter the 5th day, and as families continue to wait for positive outcome with hopes that their loved ones trapped under the concrete rubbles of the collapsed 7-storey building are rescued alive and well, an investigation by theportcitynews has revealed that certain unnamed government official colluded with the contractor and owner of the building to approve the illegal structure.
According to insiders who confided in theportcitynews, the collapsed hotel originally started as a 5-storey building in 2014 but was later approved by an official of the Rivers State Urban Development Commission and illegally increased to a 7-Storey structure in September 2018.
Inside sources said requests by the contractor for the increase was initially rejected due to the nature of the environment but was singlehandedly approved by one person.
Sources say the development has sparked fear and anxiety in the commission.
The Rivers State Police Command confirmed it arrested the owner of the collapsed structure on Tuesday, though it did not confirm whether the contractor was among the persons arrested. However, theportcitynews also learnt that the said owner of the hotel hails from Bayelsa state.
Hopes were ignited as one of the workers was rescued alive yesterday evening, with rescue workers saying there have been voices heard from the rubbles.
Over 30 persons have so far been rescued alive while 7 have been declared dead.
Residents, including comedian Kobaba, have criticised the slow pace of government’s efforts at rescuing the trapped workers, a development attributed to lack of required heavy duty equipment.
Residents also chided the ministry of health for not providing adequate medical services for the rescued workers. But the commissioner for health, Princewill Chike denied such claims, saying that none of the rescued workers was denied medical care.
He, however, explained that some of the rescued workers left the hospital without informing the hospital management due to fear that they will be mandated to pay medical bills.
The Rivers State University teaching hospital while reacting to theportcitynews inquiries, said the hospital has treated over twenty of the rescued workers and has personnel on ground to cater for emergencies.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, on Tuesday maintained that anyone found culpable in the collapse of the 7-storey building will not escape justice but will be made to face the full weight of the law as their negligence and illegal actions led to the loss of human lives.
The governor said that all government officials directly involved in the approval of the structure will be relieved of their duties, from whence they will face the Judicial Commission of Inquiry set up to investigate the unfortunate incident.
