The Rivers State Government has ordered the immediate sealing of the site of the collapsed building along Odili Road in Port Harcourt, suspending all activities at the location pending further investigation.
Governor Sir Siminalayi Fubara gave the directive on Thursday when he visited the scene of the incident to assess the situation and sympathize with victims affected by the collapse.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, the governor expressed concern over the loss and trauma suffered by those involved, while commending rescue workers for their efforts in responding to the emergency.
Speaking at the site, Governor Fubara explained that the property does not fall under the direct jurisdiction of the Rivers State Government but is under the control of the Federal Housing Authority (FHA).
Despite this, he disclosed that reports from the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development indicated that state officials had visited the construction site on several occasions to carry out inspections.
According to the governor, the developer consistently maintained that the state government lacked the authority to interfere with the project because of its location within a Federal Housing Authority area.
Fubara expressed disappointment that such a structural failure could occur in an era of advanced engineering and construction technology, questioning why professionals involved in the project failed to act on apparent warning signs.
He stressed the importance of strict adherence to building regulations, professional standards, and ethical practices in the construction industry, noting that compliance is essential to preventing avoidable disasters and protecting lives and property.
The governor assured residents that a thorough investigation would be conducted to determine the cause of the collapse and ensure accountability where necessary.
