Abuja Building Collapse: FCT Perm Sec Orders Immediate Investigation

By: Sunday Shekwonya

The Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Mr. Olusade Adesola, has ordered for immediate investigation over the collapsed four storey hotel building under construction in Dape District of the Federal Capital City, Abuja.

The Permanent Secretary, who was accompanied on the visit to the scene of the incident by senior officials of the FCT Administration, gave this order on Tuesday.

Adesola, revealed that the investigation is to unravel the remote cause of the building collapse; warning that those found culpable would face the consequences of their actions.

He said the Executive Secretary of the FCDA, Engr. Shehu Hadi Ahmad, is to chair the technical Committee that will investigate the incident and establish culpability, either by the developers or officials of the FCT Administration.

Mr. Adesola, who also expressed gratitude to God that no life was lost to the unfortunate incident, however disclosed that preliminary information showed that the developers of the collapsed building were severally warned to stop work at the site, which they failed to adhere to.

According to the Permanent Secretary, “The collapse of this building affirms the fact that when you ignore professional advice, it has a repercussion and this is what is evident. We were just informed that instructions and notices were served to stop work. Even the consultant on site advised that no further work should be done on this site, but it was ignored.”

The Permanent Secretary, ordered that until further investigation is concluded on the unfortunate incident, the site is permanently closed; noting that for all those found culpable in the incident will be appropriately sanctioned.