The commissioner, Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning, Amairigha Edward Hart.
Four persons were injured when part of a two-storey building collapsed in the Old Port Harcourt Township area of Port Harcourt, Rivers State, on Friday night.
The building, located at No. 18 Club Road, is said to be one of the oldest in the area, having stood for more than 60 years.
An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the parapet of the building’s second floor broke away from the main structure and crashed onto the ground floor, where fun seekers were gathered at a bar.
He said three people, including a woman, were initially reported to have been injured when the debris fell on them, adding that no death was recorded.
“It happened around 7 pm on Friday. People were seated at the bar on the ground floor drinking and having fun when suddenly the parapet of the building pulled off and found its way down.
“There was confusion because nobody expected that sort of thing. About three or four persons were injured in the incident, especially a lady who sustained injuries from parts of her head to one of her ears. My brother, you can see for yourself that it is a very old building,” he said.
The source added, “I’m over 50 years old, and I grew up to know this building. It (structure) is over 60 years old, and you can see the structure is getting weak. Who knows if the building has been renovated before?”
It was gathered that occupants of the residential building moved out immediately after the incident for fear of being trapped if the entire structure eventually collapsed.
A visit by our correspondent to the scene on Sunday showed that the debris that littered the front of the building had been cleared, although signs of the collapse remained. The occupants had also vacated the premises.
The perimeter of the building had been cordoned off with red tape, reportedly placed by government officials who visited the scene on Saturday, according to residents.
Meanwhile, the Rivers State Ministry of Urban Development and Physical Planning has ordered all occupants of the building to vacate the premises for their safety and warned residents against living in similarly old structures.
The Press Secretary to the ministry, Isabella Ibim, confirmed the commissioner’s directive after he led a team to inspect the scene on Saturday afternoon.
“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.
“Meanwhile, 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. And that yesterday the affected building was cordoned and marked with red tape and asked the residents to vacate,” Ibim stated.
When contacted, the spokesperson for the Rivers State Police Command, Blessing Agabe, confirmed the incident and the number of injured persons, adding that an investigation had been launched.
“Yes, I can confirm the incident. Four persons were injured, and they were rushed to the hospital. Meanwhile, the place has been cordoned off, and the investigation is ongoing,” Agabe, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, stated.