CurrentReport Blog Tragedy was narrowly averted in Umuahia, the capital of Abia State, when a two-story building under construction collapsed on Christmas Day. The building, located at No. 20 Ozuitem Street, came down while workers were off-site for the holiday.
Substandard Materials Suspected
Although the exact cause of the collapse has yet to be determined, nearby residents suspect the use of substandard materials by the contractor, potentially compromising the structural integrity.
A local resident, speaking anonymously, expressed relief that no workers were present during the incident. “If this had happened on a regular workday, it could have been catastrophic,” he said.
Reports suggest that the contractor responsible for the project has gone into hiding to avoid arrest or questioning.
Authorities Respond
The Umuahia Capital Development Authority (UCDA) has since sealed the site. Bold notices dated December 26, 2024, were displayed around the area. A bulldozer was seen demolishing the remaining parts of the structure to prevent further risks to adjacent properties.
Speaking to reporters, Mrs. Nkeiru Ogba, the Public Relations Officer of the UCDA, confirmed her office had visited the site. She noted that some collapsed buildings in the state resulted from owners either not following due process or failing to comply with building regulations.
