By Onome Oghenetega
Governor Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta State on Wednesday constituted a seven-man panel of inquiry to probe the collapsed of a church building which claimed the lives of three persons during service on Tuesday evening.
The building located along the popular Okpanam Road in Asaba, the state capital, is owned by Salvation Ministries.
NIGER DELTA TODAY Online reports that the building which was being reconstructed by the church caved in killing two children and a woman, while several others sustained different degree of injuries.
The panel has Dr. (Mrs.) Helen Anazia as its chairperson, while Mr. Igho Eduvie Esq., an Assistant Director in the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, will serve as secretary to the committee.
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The panel has Engr. S. A. Aghagba, Director, Ministry of Works; Engr. Rex Orhe, Deputy-Director Ministry of Works; Arc. Orerhime Iduseri, Ministry of Housing; Builder Isichei Felix Ekene, Ministry of Housing and, Moses Agwere Esq. as members.
The committee has until two weeks to summit her report to the Governor for necessary action.
This was contained in a statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, Chief Patrick Ukah Esq., on Wednesday in Asaba.
Governor Okowa, according to the statement, directed the panel amongst other things to determine the cause of the collapsed building.
“It is hereby announced for the information of the general public, particularly Deltans, that the Governor of Delta State, His Excellency, Senator Dr. Ifeanyi Arthur Okowa received with shock and sadness the news of the collapse of the building housing a church of the Salvation Ministries, along Okpanam Road, Asaba on Tuesday, 11th January 2022.
“The Panel has the following terms of reference: 1. To inquire into and report on events surrounding the collapse of the building, including:
“A. the number and identity of the deceased and the injured in the building. B. the immediate and remote causes of the collapse. C. the scope and adequacy of current legislation, regulations, policies, and processes concerning the safety of buildings for public use.
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“D. whether such legislation, regulations, policies and processes were complied with in the case of the affected building and identify any person or institution culpable in that regard. E. the scope and adequacy of current legislation, regulations, policies and processes concerning the emergency management response to the collapse of the building.
2. To make recommendations for: a. any measures necessary or desirable to prevent or minimise the collapse of buildings in Delta State; and b. any other matters arising out of, or relating to, the foregoing that come to the Panel’s notice during its inquiries.
“The panel has 2 weeks for its assignment. In the meantime, the State Government has suspended the processing and/or approval of building plans for Core Area II until the Panel of Inquiry concludes its work” the statement read.
