The Anambra State government has marked two four-story buildings for demolition on Amobi Street in Onitsha South local government area. This action aims to avert similar casualties to those last month, caused by the collapse of two-story buildings that resulted in the deaths of over eight people and injuries to 26 others.
One of the buildings had its decked portion collapse due to the use of poor and substandard materials for the project. These two buildings, located about one foot close to each other, are currently experiencing cracked pillars and weak decking, prompting the demolition order.
About a month ago, the two buildings were marked for demolition, but the owners allegedly removed the marks and began heavy business activities on the ground floor of the buildings.
It was also observed that the contractors had already constructed another set of slabs in preparation for the decking of the fifth floor, despite the demolition order. The two contractors handling the projects fled to unknown destinations upon receiving information that the local government council would be visiting the area.
During the site inspection, the Chairman of Onitsha South local government area, Chief Emeka Joseph Orji, expressed concern over the continued construction despite the government’s order a month ago. He wondered why people would choose to risk their lives doing business under such a death trap.
The two buildings must come down in the next two days, as ordered. Remember that Governor Charles Soludo directed that all building plans must receive his personal approval before construction. However, these two buildings do not have the governor’s approval,” he stated.
“We must do this to save the lives of our people and prevent possible deaths and casualties, which have been the results of collapsed buildings,” he added.
He also pointed out that the materials being used were of poor quality. Despite efforts to block the entrance with tape, the owners removed it and cleaned up the marks for demolition.
Orji disclosed that over 800 shops within the two buildings had been paid for by traders before the completion of the project. These shops were sold to would-be landlords before the buildings were marked for demolition.
Recall that in the past three months, three buildings collapsed in Onitsha, resulting in a total of eight deaths at the site. The state government had to clear the debris and take over the lands in question.
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