ACTDA Evacuates Occupants from Near-Collapsing Building in Ifite Awka
By Ukpa Ewa
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Development Control Unit has taken decisive action to evacuate occupants from a dangerously dilapidated building in Ifite Awka, to forestall the imminent danger posed by the property to the occupants.
The Deputy Commander of ACTDA Development Control Unit, Mr. Ukachukwu Okonkwo, who made this known while addressing occupants of the structure, informed them that the major aim of the agency was to safeguard their lives.
He noted that the building appears to be on the brink of collapse.
Mr. Okonkwo also regretted that despite receiving eviction notices from the landlord, the occupants had refused to vacate the premises, hence the ACTDA’s intervention, aimed at averting any potential tragedy from the imminent collapse.
“Our major aim is to forestall imminent danger of building collapse and save lives and property. We learnt through the caretaker, that the owner had issued eviction notices, but the occupants refused to leave as no measures were in place,” he explained.
Mr. Okonkwo who emphasized the urgency of the evacuation pointed out that the enforcement team were on ground to evacuate the occupants to save lives.
“We hope to collaborate with the owner to explore possible ways to salvage the building. If not, we will proceed with the full demolition of the structure, which poses a significant threat to the state and its citizens,” he stated.
It was learnt that the twin structure, located at Dubai Lodge on Five Decking Street, Ifite Awka, primarily housing Students, shows severe signs of distress with some parts already cracking.
The caretaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, applauded ACTDA for their timely intervention, expressing optimism that the agency possessed the necessary capacity and expertise to handle the evacuation effectively.
