FCTA Perm Sec Declares Dape Building Collapse Site Permanently Closed .

The Permanent Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration FCTA, Mr Olusade Adesola has declared the site of the unfortunate Dape building collapse closed, until investigation on the cause of the collapse is concluded.

Mr Adesola made the declaration when he led top management staff of the Administration and Journalists to the scene of the collapse building in Dape, life Camp Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary who empathized with the developers over the huge economic loss as a result of the incidence, however expressed delight that no life was lost.

His words : “when Government is approving a project, many factors are considered, especially the economic factor. This site has created employment for many Nigerians. So when a building collapses, it has brought hardship also to many families. However, from the report we received we have course to thank God that no life is lost in this unfortunate incidence.

He however warned developers to always yield to professional advise from consultants, pointing out that the building collapse would have been averted if the developers had listened to the warnings and notices served from the department of development Control.

“The collapse of this building affirms the fact that when you ignore professional advise, it has repercussion. This is what is evident here. We were just informed that instructions to stop work and notices were served, but was ignored. We have to really get to the root of it to know what happened.

“But as it is the practice, until further investigation is concluded the site is Permanently closed and a caveat will be placed on the plot to prevent any other transaction on it” Adesola said.

Also speaking, the FCT Emergency Management Agency Director General, Alhaji Abbass Idriss confirmed that nine persons were rescued alive.

The DG FEMA who stressed the need for people to comply with the National building codes and the Abuja development regulations,said the FCT administration would swing into action to investigate and unravel the cause of the building collapse, with a view to prosecuting defaulters to serve as deterrent to others.

On his part, the Director, Department of Development Control, Murktar Galadima who identified the affected site as plot 965, said a building approval was granted in 2019.

Galadima however attested to the fact that the developers in the process were asked to stop work due to some alterations, but they never obeyed.

“He was asked to resubmit the design because the topography was not reflected in the design. Infact integrity test was done and he was asked to stop work. Unfortunately, this small Sallah break that we resumed on Monday, workers were at the site trying to mix concrete to cast.

“The plot was allocated to one Naziya building and civil engineering company limited. But we are going to look into the details of the documents. As pointed out by FEMA DG, we need to prosecute the offenders. A high powered panel will be set up to unravel the whole thing including if there is any compromise among staff . Disciplinary measures should be taken. Galadima said.

Remi Johnson, Edited By Grace Namiji