Residents of Amawbia in Awka Anambra have been thrown into shock following the collapse of two storey buildings used for residential and business purposes in Awka south LGA.
The incident which occurred at about eleven o’clock Wednesday evening took residents of the area who were still asleep by surprise as the building along Amawbia bypass in Awka collapsed.
An eyewitness and victim, Mr. Augustine Ikeji said that it was raining when thunder struck and the building collapsed.
According to him, the debris fell on him and four of his children who were sleeping in the room close to the collapsed portion destroying his wares as well as inflicting degrees of injuries on the Children who were later rushed to the hospital.
Another resident said the collapse was as a result of use of inferior building materials by the developer.
Speaking to newsmen in an interview shortly after sealing the premises, the Managing Director, Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), Amaechi Okwuosa said that though the owner may have gotten approval more than fifteen years ago, the structure was substandard and did not meet the building standards.
He however warned builders against using substandard materials in construction works.
Okwuosa while encouraging developers to desist from building without the necessary approvals from relevant government agencies, announced that the owner forfeits the land in line with the existing law in Anambra state which provides that any collapsed building will be forfeited.
