Anambra Govt Sets Up Panel Of Inquiry To Investigate DMGS Centenary Building, Odu Igbo Ochanja Market Building Collapse
By Chibuzo Obidike
Anambra state government has constituted an eight-man panel of enquiry to investigate the Odu Igbo, Ochanja Market building collapse, and the Dennis Memorial Grammar School, DMGS Centenary Building Collapse.
A press release signed by the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, said the panel will be chaired by the Chairman, Anambra State Council for the Regulation of Engineering In Nigeria, Engr. Sir Victor Meju.
Members of the panel include: The Anambra State Chapter Chairman of Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), Arc. Ikenna Eboh, the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Anambra State Chapter, Mr Ben Nwofor; the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Anambra State Chapter, Mr Gabriel Okeke; and the Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Builders (NIOB) Anambra State Chapter, Mr Kingsley Nweke.
Other members of the panel are the Chairman Institute of Structural Engineers, Anambra state, Prof. Ezeagu Akaolisa; the Managing Director /Chief Executive Officer, Anambra State Material Testing Laboratory, Engr. Ebosie Ezeoke, while the Permanent Secretary, Anambra State Ministry of Housing, is the Secretary.
According to the statement, the panel is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of Lockup shops at OduIgbo Ochanja Market, and the Centenary Building at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha, as well as make findings and recommendations to serve as basis for corrective actions and policy reforms to enhance building safety and standards in the State.
They are also expected to identify the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse of these buildings such as structural, design, construction, and maintenance factors; and assess the role of relevant authorities, including regulatory bodies and local government agencies in the monitoring and enforcing building codes and safety standards.
On the part of the victims, they are to also assess the impact of the building collapses on affected individuals, families, and communities, including loss of life, injuries, displacement, as well as economic consequences, and recommend measures to support and compensate victims and their families.
The statement tasked the panel to conduct the investigations and conclude the assignment within four weeks or 28 days.
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