By Okeke Walin


Residents of Dubai Estate Lodge on Five Decking Street, Ifite Awka, have commended the Managing Director of Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Mr. Ossy Onuko, for preventing a potentially disastrous building collapse.

The three-story building, which collapsed around 10:15 PM yesterday, could have resulted in significant loss of lives and property if not for the timely intervention of ACTDA.

The agency visited the scene to seal off the area for further investigation into the cause of the collapse. This incident followed the agency's proactive evacuation of occupants, primarily students, from the building on Friday through its Development Control Unit.

Speaking to Journalists in Ifite - Awka, Miss Chiamaka Onuegbu and Mr. Favour Udeze, residents of the estate, praised the swift actions of the Raid Response Unit, which ensured the safety of the building's occupants. They highlighted the professionalism and dedication of Mr. Onuko and the ACTDA team in enforcing state building regulations.

On his part, the Rapid Response Deputy Commander of ACTDA, Mr. Uchechukwu Nnebolisa, confirmed that no one was in the building at the time of the collapse. He explained that improper construction practices, such as the installation of multiple soakaway pits, contributed to the building collapse.

Mr. Nnebolisa urged residents to adhere to building regulations to prevent such incidents, aligning with Governor Chukwuma Soludo's vision for a safe and prosperous homeland.

The Agency equally sealed off a crack two storey building (Golden Lodge) close to the area to prevent similar occurrence.