By Atseyinku Emmanuel …9News.Ng
9news has learnt that an 8-storey building under construction at Yar’Adua drive, Owerri, Imo state has collapsed trapping several workers.
Builder Alex Chukwunwike (FNIOB), Chapter Secretary of Nigeria Institute Of Building, (Anambra State Chapter, Awka.) told the ABS that he contacted the Chairman of Imo state Chapter of the body and he confirmed the incident is true.
According to him, “It is a high rise building under construction. The MD/CEO, Owerri Capital Territory Development Authority could not be reached as they are engulfed in trying to rescue the persons trapped in the rubbles”.
Continuing, Builder Alex said; “From the picture, it can be deduced that the immediate causes of the collapse may not be far from (1) Structural failures of the critical members (Columns and Beams) (2) The critical members of the structural units may not have attained the required curing period of between 21 to 28 days for maximum strength before loading subsequent levels (3) The use of sub -standard building materials (4) Lack of use of qualified construction professionals”.
He said that more details will be revealed by Friday, 1st May, 2020 when the imo counterparts will visit the site of the incident for a more forensic report.
30th April 2020.