The collapsed building at Coal Camp, Enugu on Saturday
Tragedy struck in Mgbemena, Coal Camp, Enugu North local government area of Enugu state as a building collapsed, claiming the lives of four siblings.
The victims were identified as four children from the same parents.
The incident followed the heavy down Friday evening that affected wall of the building.
Hon. Uche Anya, the chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Agency (ECTDA), visited the scene of the collapse and expressed his condolences.
He revealed that the structure, originally approved for animal husbandry, had been converted into a residential building.
Anya expressed his concern over the unsuitability of the collapsed building for human habitation.
He disclosed that the structure consisted of 44 rooms.
“We immediately responded to the incident upon receiving the information. Unfortunately, four children lost their lives in this tragic event,” Anya stated.
“The construction of this building was irresponsible. It was never meant to be occupied by human beings. I urge you to visit the site and witness it for yourselves,” he added.
The chairman further revealed that the building, which was supposedly being used for animal husbandry and poultry, was actually housing over 200 people in its 44 rooms.
He criticized the unacceptable state of the fence surrounding the property.
“The loss of innocent children in this tragedy is truly heartbreaking,” Anya lamented.
The ECTDA chairman emphasized the agency’s commitment to raising public awareness about the importance of living in safe and conducive environments to prevent future incidents like this moving forward.
He said that under his leadership, the compliance unit of the agency will ensure that landlords and contractors strictly adhere to approved plans when erecting structures.
In conclusion, this devastating incident serves as a reminder of the importance of prioritizing safety and adhering to regulations in construction projects.
The loss of innocent lives should never be taken lightly, and it is our duty to create a safer environment for all.
