Anambra state government has constituted a eight-man panel of enquiry to investigate the Odu Igbo, Ochanja market building collapse, and Dennis Memorial Grammar School, DMGS Centenary Building Collapse.
According to a press release signed by the Chief of Staff to Governor Chukwuma Soludo, Mr Ernest Ezeajughi, the panel will be chaired by the Anambra State Chairman of Council for the Regulation of Engineering In Nigeria, Engr. Sir Victor Meju.
Members 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, Ministry of Housing Anambra State is the Secretary of the Committee.
According to the statement, the committee is to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the collapse of Lockup shops at OduIgbo Ochanja and the centenary building at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) Onitsha as well as make findings and recommendations to serve as a basis for corrective actions and policy reforms to enhance building safety and standards in Anambra 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, and economic consequences and recommend measures to support and compensate victims and their families.
The statement asked the panel to conduct the investigations and conclude the assignment within four weeks or 28 days.
