Building collapse: Rivers govt orders arrest of construction engineer

The Rivers State government has ordered the arrest of the construction engineer of the collapsed two-storey build.

The building collapsed on Thursday at Rumuoke Street, off Okilton junction, by Ada George Road, Port Harcourt.

Three persons were injured during the collapse and were rescued from the rubble.

Tammy Danagogo, the secretary to the Rivers State government in a statement said the Rivers State Government has taken the following preliminary measures:

i. Immediate closure of the construction site, and search and evacuation of the debris to ensure that nobody is in fact trapped underneath as the Builder claims.

ii. Direct the immediate arrest of the Construction Engineer of the collapsed building for proper investigation,

iii. 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,

iv. 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.

v. And also, hereby call on the public to report to the authorities, activities of suspected unauthorized builders across the State.