Eke Oyibo Building Collapse: Contractors Thwarted ACTDA’s Compliance Efforts – Charles Ekwunife

New details have surfaced regarding the recent collapse of a two-storey building under construction at Eke Oyibo market in Amawbia, Awka South council area of Anambra State. Reports indicate that the contractors obstructed efforts to ensure adherence to building specifications and quality control. Approval officers from the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) have reported facing attacks while attempting to enforce regulations.

It has been revealed that ACTDA had previously issued a STOP WORK order for the building. However, the contractors defied this order, continuing construction without compliance. According to Mr. Charles Ekwunife, Head of Development Control at ACTDA, many buildings in the area lack approval papers, and staff have been repeatedly harassed by contractors. There have even been instances where contractors used law enforcement agencies to prevent ACTDA officials from conducting site inspections.

Ekwunife stated, “Contractors have used local law enforcement agents, disregarded multiple stop work orders, and continued building without necessary approvals from ACTDA. Our staff have faced attacks when trying to enforce building regulations.”

Residents and community stakeholders are now urging Anambra State’s government, led by Governor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, to establish a panel of inquiry to investigate the incident. They emphasize the need for a thorough investigation involving the building owner, the contractor, and other key stakeholders.

The President General of Awka South Market Amalgamated Traders Union (ASMATU), Comrade Anayo Nweke, has called for an in-depth investigation to determine the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse. ASMATU has also formed its own panel to investigate and make recommendations.

Ozor Architect Nnaemeka Mike Maduka, a respected community leader and Regent of Amawbia, attributed the collapse to a lack of proper supervision. He stressed that stringent supervision and adherence to building standards are crucial to preventing such disasters.

As of Friday, the death toll from the incident had risen to three, up from the initial report of one. Additionally, four survivors have been rescued. The search for more victims continues, with a carpenter still missing in the rubble.

A remarkable incident occurred during the rescue operations when a young child emerged from the debris, alerting rescuers to her trapped mother. An excavator was used to clear the rubble, and the mother was safely rescued and taken to a nearby health center, where she is currently receiving treatment.

The nurse in charge at the health center confirmed that casualties were treated and have since returned home. The community continues to call for stringent measures to prevent such incidents and ensure compliance with building regulations in the future.