As the residents of Gwarinpa Estate in Abuja were trying to come to terms with the realities of the building which collapsed Thursday, 2nd of February, 2022 along the 6th Avenue, more facts were emerging about the incidence.
This was coming on the heels of the order by the FCT Minister, Muhammad Bello for the arrest of Staff of Federal Housing Authority FHA, and the developer of the property. This development was revealed by the Coordinator Abuja Metropolitan Management Council, Umar Shuaibu.
Further searches have revealed that the Development Control of the project was a joint effort between FHA and FCDA officials. More information show that both the Engineers of the two agencies,
had jointly signed the log book of the project.
It has also been revealed that FHA Development Control unit in November, 2022 issued the developer with a Stop Work order, when it was noticed that he has contravened the approval granted him. However, the developer capilalised on the December break and holidays, to continue the work. The development prompted FHA Development Control Unit to issue another Stop Work and Contravention Notice to him inJanuary 11th, 2023.
It has also been revealed that the Engineer in charge of
the project, a COREN certified Engineer, signed an undertaken, idemnifying the Authority and to accept liability during and after construction of the building.
A visit at the site showed scavengers carting away what was remaining from the debris, including removal of iron rods and other valuables.
It should be recalled that a commercial building, privately developed, had on Thursday, 2nd Feb, 2023 collapsed in Gwarinpa Estate Abuja, where three lives were reportedly lost and 18 persons rescued alive.
Investigations however were still on going to unravel more things.