Rivers State Governor, Siminalayi Fubara, has ordered the immediate sealing of the site of the collapsed building along Odili Road, Port Harcourt, banning any further activities at the location.

The governor gave the directive when he visited the scene of the incident on Thursday.

He described the collapse as unfortunate and expressed sympathy for the victims.

Governor Fubara said the site did not fall under the direct jurisdiction of the Rivers State Government but under the control of the Federal Housing Authority.

He, however, disclosed that reports from the Commissioner for Urban Development indicated that the state authorities had visited the site several times to inspect the ongoing construction.

According to him, the developer had repeatedly claimed that the state government lacked the authority to interfere in the project.

The governor expressed concern that such an incident could occur in the 21st century, when engineering technology has advanced significantly, questioning why an engineer would allow a project to continue despite visible warning signs.

He stressed the need for strict compliance with building standards and professional ethics to prevent avoidable disasters.

Governor Fubara further directed that the site remain sealed while investigations into the cause of the collapse continue.

Rescue Efforts Continue

Meanwhile, rescue operations at the collapsed building on Odili Road in Port Harcourt on Thursday ended without any new victims being rescued from the rubble.

The rescue mission, which involves the excavation of the debris, is a combined effort of Julius Berger and other emergency response teams.

Work resumed at about 8 a.m. and continued throughout the day as emergency responders carefully cleared debris in search of persons believed to be trapped beneath the wreckage.

The operation lasted until about 6 p.m., when rescue workers suspended activities for the day after hours of excavation yielded no results, citing an obstruction.

They, however, said rescue efforts would continue on Friday.

Earlier, the chairman of Port Harcourt City Local Government Area visited the scene to assess the rescue efforts and receive updates from emergency officials.

One person was confirmed dead on Wednesday, while three others were rescued after the collapse of a building under construction along Odili Road in Port Harcourt.

The post Rivers Seals Building Collapse Site As Rescue Efforts Continue appeared first on Channels Television.