By Austin Ogwuda
Worried by the incessant cases of collapsed buildings in the country, Delta State Governor, Rt. Hon. Sheriff Oborevwori on Thursday tasked members of the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) to critically examine causes of building collapse to prevent the disturbing development in the country.
Speaking in Asaba at the opening ceremony of a two-day programme: Archi- Delta Expo 2023, organised by the State chapter of the NIA, Governor Oborevwori said everything would be done in the state to prevent cases of building collapse and implored Architects to rise to the situation.
Ironically few hours after that charge, a 20-storey building under construction collapsed opposite Shoprite complex by Inter Bau Round About in Asaba, not far from the Government House.
The Governor was represented at that event by the State Commissioner for Lands, Surveys & Urban Development, Chief Emamusi Obiodeh.
According to the governor “from the records, the Archi-Delta Expo is an annual event by the Nigerian Institute of Architects, Delta State chapter where it presents impactful lectures in the building industry, innovative products exhibition and presentation of awards to deserving individuals, consultants, infrastructural companies and government.
“I am particularly fascinated by the theme of this year’s Archi-Delta Expo 2023: ‘ Sustainable Development 111 is here again’.
This theme is not only apt but also very timely. It is particularly germane because sustainable development cannot take place in an era where building collapse has unfortunately become the norm.
“It is worrisome and I would like a professional body like the NIA to seize the opportunity of a gathering like this to critically examine the causes of such ugly events with a view to providing enduring solutions to end the unfortunate development (building collapse)”.
Meanwhile, The Town Hall Media will be bringing you my esteemed readers up to speed regarding the collapsed structure meant for a Five Star hotel.
Owner of the collapsed multi billion building naira structure, according to a reliable source, is an oil magnet, Mr. Gabriel Ogbechie, Chief Executive Officer CEO of Rainoil conglomerate.