Authority blame lack of compliance with regulations for Onitsha building collapse

The Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), Anambra State Council, has attributed the collapse of the three-storey building in Onitsha to substandard materials and poor foundation.

Engr. Victor Meju, the State Chairman of COREN, made this known while addressing journalists after inspecting the site of the incident. He emphasized the regulatory body's commitment to combating the issue of quackery in the state and across the country.

Meju extended condolences to the families of the victims and urged Nigerians to prioritize consultation with regulatory bodies like COREN when undertaking large building projects.

He emphasized the importance of adhering to proper procedures and avoiding political, ethnic, or religious sentiments in construction endeavors.

The collapse, which occurred at Ochanja, a section of the Onitsha market, has sparked panic in the area. Efforts by the state government, bystanders, and residents to rescue trapped victims are ongoing.

Barrister Chike Mmaduekwe, the Chairman of the Anambra State Physical Planning Board, emphasized that the incident could have been prevented if proper protocols had been followed.

He confirmed that seven individuals had lost their lives, while 20 others sustained injuries and were receiving medical attention.

Governor Chukwuma Soludo visited the site to assess the situation and promised justice for the victims. Expressing anger over the incident, Soludo vowed to prosecute and jail those responsible for the disaster, including the developer and the market chairman.

He also ordered the immediate demolition of the remaining building constructed by the same developer, emphasizing the need for stringent measures to ensure building integrity across Anambra State.