By Abubakar Yusuf
The Federal Housing Authority (FHA) has confirmed the collapse of a commercial and privately owned structure on its estate in Gwarimpa area, Abuja.
A statement officially issued by the Head, Public Affairs of the authority, Mr Kenneth Chigelu, stated that a framed structure with columns, suspended slabs in place and some block works located at the 6th avenue on the estate collapsed on Thursday, 2nd February, 2023.
A total of four people were rescued from the rubble to save the lives of the victims, while rescue operations were still ongoing as of the time of the release.
He further said preliminary investigations showed that an approval for a two-storey building was granted, but the private and commercial developer flouted the instructions by adding an extra one.
He promised that detailed investigations would reveal both the immediate and remote causes of the collapsed building on its estate.
Read the press release hereunder reproduced in extenso
“A building in Gwarinpa estate, Abuja collapsed today 2nd February, 2023. The structure, a commercial privately development, privately owned, is situated along the 6th Avenue.
“As at the time of collapse, the building was a frame structure with columns, suspended slabs in place, and some block works.
“Preliminary findings revealed that an approval for 2 floors was granted to the developer, who decided to add an extra floor to the structure.
“Rescue efforts are currently going on to save lives, with responses from all relevant agencies. A total of four people have been rescued from the rubbles at the time of this release.
“Investigations which are on – going will reveal immediate and remote causes of the collapse.”
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