By Cajetan Mmuta, Awka
Scores of traders were trapped on Monday evening at one of the buildings at the popular Ochanja Market in the commercial town of Onitsha South local government area of Anambra State.
Although, no life was lost some of the traders sustained serious injuries during the incident.
This is as Onitsha South local government area alleged sabotage by some traders behind the building collapse in the market.
Already, the Council area has set up a seven-man Committee of Inquiry to investigate the remote and immediate causes of the incident.
Also, the Council said that it would continue to enforce the letter the law and building Code guiding the construction of permanent structures in the area.
Secretary of Onitsha South local government area Mr Paul Onuachalla told newsmen that the Committee would constitute of police personnel, a building engineer and other relevant professionals in the building sector.
Onuachalla said, “Yes, we first of all sympathize with the victims of the building that collapsed yesterday (Monday) and as I speak with you the Onitsha South local government Emergency Management Agency is working hand in gloves with the Anambra State Fire Service and the Health Department to ensure safe rescue of victims and provide medical assistance.”
He said, “This incident is simply an act of sabotage on the part of some traders who instead of following the due process and abiding by the Building Code, chose to compromise the law and undertake the project themselves”
“The Council is setting up a seven-man Committee of Enquiry to investigate the immediate and remote causes of the building Collapse and the Committee membership would include police personnel a building engineer and other relevant bodies in the sector,” he stated.
The Council scribe noted, “But this also goes to vindicate the Onitsha South local government Council about our strict compliance with the Building Code and other relevant laws guiding the construction of permanent structures in the area ”
“We have as a government made spirited efforts to ensure that the rules and Building Codes are respected but some sections of the public see it as witch hunting or targeting at some individuals, this time no defaulter would be speared ” he said.
He appealed to the public and relatives of those affected by the collapse to remain calm as efforts were in top gear to ensure the safety of their relatives.
