3views
A one-storey commercial building housing eight shops has collapsed in Ogidi, Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, following days of persistent rainfall that culminated in a heavy downpour on Saturday night.
The building, located at Ikenga Ogidi along the Onitsha-Awka-Enugu Expressway near the Building Materials International Market, was reduced to rubble, destroying goods and properties estimated to be worth millions of naira.
When our correspondent visited the scene on Monday, large sections of the collapsed structure had already been washed away by floodwaters, leaving behind heaps of debris and raising concerns among residents over the safety of nearby buildings.
Fortunately, no casualties were recorded as traders and shop owners had closed for the day before the structure gave way.
A resident living close to the area said the building accommodated about eight shops dealing mainly in building materials before it suddenly collapsed during the downpour.
Eyewitnesses attributed the incident to severe erosion and flooding, which they said had weakened the foundation of the structure over time.
One resident explained that the building had shown signs of distress before the collapse.
“Prior to the collapse, the building had already tilted to one side due to persistent rainfall and the impact of erosion around the area,” the resident said.
According to him, the structure was erected on a critical drainage route where underground channels from both sides of the expressway converge, obstructing the free flow of water.
“We knew the collapse was imminent. The heavy rainfall on Saturday night and the accompanying flood overwhelmed the structure, which could not withstand the volume of water flowing through the blocked drainage channel,” he added.
Residents have called on the Anambra State Government and the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to halt further construction in the area, warning that several structures may be at risk if urgent measures are not taken.
Another resident disclosed that government officials had visited the site to assess the damage and evaluate the condition of neighbouring buildings.
“They came to inspect the area and ensure that nearby structures are not posing further danger. A thorough investigation should be carried out to determine the exact cause of the collapse,” he said.
A government official at the scene, who spoke on condition of anonymity because he was not authorised to speak publicly, confirmed that investigations had commenced.
According to the official, authorities are examining whether the building received the necessary approvals and complied with relevant construction standards before it was erected.
“Preliminary findings indicate extensive damage. We will establish how the structure failed and determine whether regulatory procedures were followed,” the official said.
He also urged residents to remain vigilant as the state continues to experience sustained rainfall, warning that weakened structures could pose serious risks to lives and property.
Efforts to obtain official confirmation from the Anambra State Police Command were unsuccessful, as calls to the Police Public Relations Officer, SP Tochukwu Ikenga, did not connect as of Monday.
add a comment
