Occupants of the 60 years old two-storey building that collapsed in the Old Port Harcourt Township area, have been directed to vacate the premises with an immediate effect.
The Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning gave this directive as part of efforts to ensure the safety of its resident.
The ministry, in a statement by the Press Secretary, Isabella Ibim, also warned residents against living in old structures after the team paid an inspection visit to the scene of the collapsed building.
Ibim revealed that “yes, I can tell you that the Commissioner visited the place yesterday (Saturday) and he asked the occupants to vacate the building.
“He also advised people against living in such old buildings because it poses grave danger to lives.
“He was happy that no life was lost. He examined the building and saw that it was just a part that fell from the beam. He suspected that the building was over 50 years old.”
Ibim noted that “before this time, our ministry has been going on sensitisation in Mile 1, 2 and 3 axis of Diobu, Borikiri and other parts, marking out old buildings that are due for renovation.
“Yesterday the affected building was cordoned and marked with red tape and asked the residents to vacate.”
This development was also confirmed by the State Police Public Relations Officer, Blessing Agabe, who also stated that four persons were injured, even as she assured of immediate investigation of the incident.
The collapsed building is located at No. 18 Club Road, described as one of the oldest in the area, having stood for more than 60 years.
