Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the immediate closure of the site of the collapsed building on Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt, pending the outcome of investigations into the incident….
Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the immediate closure of the site of the collapsed building on Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt, pending the outcome of investigations into the incident.
The governor announced the directive in a post on his official X handle on Friday, June 26, after visiting the site, describing the collapse as a tragic incident that could have been prevented.
Fubara said rescue operations were still ongoing at the site, adding that the government had taken steps to ensure a thorough investigation into the cause of the collapse.
“Yesterday, I visited the site of the collapsed building on Peter Odili Road. It was indeed an unfortunate incident that could have been avoided,” the governor said.
READ ALSO: Rivers Assembly Defers Action on Fubara’s MTEF Request
He added, “As rescue operations are ongoing, I have ordered the immediate closure of the site pending proper investigations.”
The governor also alleged that efforts by the state’s regulatory authorities to monitor the construction project and ensure compliance with approved standards had been ignored.
According to him, “I understand that several efforts by the State regulatory authority to monitor the project to ensure conformity with standards were waved off. Our concerns were never about interference, but about safeguarding lives and ensuring adherence to construction regulations and standards.”
Fubara expressed sadness over the loss of lives, noting that such a tragedy should not have occurred given the availability of professional construction standards and safety measures.
“We are deeply touched by the loss of human lives, as such misfortune should not have occurred in modern times when professional standards and safety measures are expected to guide construction activities,” he said.
The governor commiserated with the families of those who lost their lives and sympathised with victims who sustained injuries, assuring residents of the government’s commitment to preventing similar incidents.
“However, I commiserate with the families of the deceased and sympathise with those injured. I believe that the government will keep doing its best to mitigate future occurrences,” Fubara stated.