FG EXPLAINS WHY THREE-STOREY BUILDING
The Federal Housing Authority has attributed the collapse of a three storey structure at Galadinma, Gwarimpa, Abuja to approved plan violation by the developer.
The FHA said that the developer was granted approval for two floors but added an extra floor to the structure.
The Head, Public Affairs of the Federal Housing Authority, Mr Kenneth Chigelu, made the assertion in a statement on Thursday.
He said, “A building in Gwarinpa estate, Abuja collapsed today 2nd February, 2023. The structure, a commercial privately development, privately owned, is situated along the 6th Avenue.
“As at the time of collapse, the building was a frame structure with columns, suspended slabs in place, and some block works.
“Preliminary findings revealed that an approval for 2 floors was granted to the developer, who decided to add an extra floor to the structure.
“Rescue efforts are currently going on to save lives, with responses from all relevant agencies. A total of four people have been rescued from the rubbles at the time of this release.
Investigations which are on-going will reveal immediate and remote causes of the collapse.”
About two people were feared dead with over 40 believed to be trapped in the rubbles of a collapsed three-storey building at 7th Avenue, Gwarimpa, Abuja.
The collapsed structure was a three-Storey shopping mall near Charley Boy Area at Galadinma, Gwarimpa.
Acting Director, Forecasting, Response and Mitigation, FCT Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mrs Florence Wenegieme, who confirmed the incident to journalists said that her team had rescued six persons.
“The six persons were rescued have been taken to Gwarimpa General Hospital. We are working to rescue more victims,” she said.
Meanwhile, the Commissioner of Police, FCT Command, Mr. Sadiq Abubakar, has said that the police and other security agencies are coordinating the ongoing rescue operation in the place.
The Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Josephine Adeh, said in a statement that the CP visited the scene and gave the assurance that operatives would ensure that hoodlums don’t hijack the rescue operation.
“Following the unfortunate collapse of a 3-storey building under construction in Gwarinpa, Abuja, today, Thursday, February 2, 2023, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has made a necessary deployment to assist with the ongoing rescue of victims and the general safety of the area.
“The Commissioner of Police, CP Sadiq Abubakar, mni, who personally visited the scene, has assured that the FCT Police would provide all necessary support to ensure the ease of the rescue operations and to ensure hoodlums do not take advantage of the situation. He equally pledged the support of the command to aid the functions of Building Regulatory and Investigative Bodies within the FCT.
“The CP, who described the situation as very unfortunate, called on the residents of the area to remain vigilant and to report any suspicious movement to the Police. He prayed that the victims, especially those reportedly trapped under the rubble, would be rescued and stabilized accordingly.
“The public is therefore urged to maintain vigilance and report suspicious activities to the police through the following emergency numbers: 08032003913, 08061581938, 07057337653, and 08028940883, while the Public Complaint Bureau (PCB) desk, which could be reached at 0902 222 2352.” The statement read
