Fubara Orders Immediate Closure of Collapsed Building Site in Rivers

Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the immediate closure of the construction site on Peter Odili Road in Port Harcourt following the collapse of a building under construction.

The directive was issued after the governor paid an inspection visit to the scene on Friday to assess the extent of the damage and monitor ongoing rescue operations by emergency responders.

The tragic incident has heightened concerns over compliance with building regulations and construction safety standards in the state, with rescue teams continuing efforts to locate and evacuate victims trapped beneath the rubble.

Speaking after inspecting the site, Governor Fubara described the collapse as a painful and avoidable tragedy, insisting that strict adherence to approved construction standards could have prevented the disaster.

“Yesterday, I visited the site of the collapsed building on Peter Odili Road. It was indeed an unfortunate incident that could have been avoided,” the governor said.

Fubara announced that the state government had sealed off the construction site to pave the way for a comprehensive investigation into the circumstances surrounding the collapse.

According to him, no construction or related activities will be permitted at the location until investigators complete their work and establish the cause of the incident, as well as determine whether any individuals or organisations should be held accountable.

“As rescue operations are ongoing, I have ordered the immediate closure of the site pending proper investigations,” he stated.

The governor also expressed concern over what he described as the apparent disregard for regulatory oversight by those handling the project.

He disclosed that officials of the state’s regulatory agencies had made several attempts to inspect and monitor the construction work to ensure compliance with approved engineering specifications and safety regulations but were allegedly denied access.

“I understand that several efforts by the State regulatory authority to monitor the project to ensure conformity with standards were waved off. Our concerns were never about interference, but about safeguarding lives and ensuring adherence to construction regulations and standards,” Fubara added.

He noted that the incident serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of ignoring professional building practices and established safety procedures.

Expressing sadness over the lives lost and the injuries sustained by victims, the governor stressed that such tragedies have no place in an era where construction projects are expected to comply with modern engineering and safety standards.

“We are deeply touched by the loss of human lives, as such misfortune should not have occurred in modern times when professional standards and safety measures are expected to guide construction activities,” he said.

Governor Fubara extended his condolences to the families of those who lost their lives in the collapse and wished those receiving medical treatment a speedy recovery.

He assured residents that his administration remains committed to strengthening the enforcement of building regulations, enhancing oversight of construction projects, and ensuring that developers comply fully with approved standards to prevent similar incidents in the future.