The panel of inquiry into the recent building collapse at Dennis Memorial Grammar School, DMGS and Odu-Igbo Market, Ochanja has continued its investigative sitting on the causes of collapse with invited individuals and groups appearing before the panel.

 

Those who appeared before the panel includes, the Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, the Managing Director of Anambra State Urban Regeneration Council, Architect Michael Okonkwo, who appeared before the committee for a second time, the Principal of DMGS, Onitsha, Venerable Chigozie Anaeto, the President General of DMGS Old Boys, Dr. Eric Anazodo, Ochanja market stakeholders, professional bodies and Heads of state government agencies.

 

The Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors, Anambra State Chapter, Mr. Emma Nwobu, speaking when the body appeared before the panel, emphasized that the major problem of building collapse to include quackery, making use of none-professionals in a bid to save money and building structures in a haste, against the building codes, mostly caused by owners of the buildings .

 

Mr. Nwobu commended the state government for putting up a panel made up of professionals and harped that if recommendations are implemented it will go a long way in checking incessant building collapse in the state.

 

Also speaking , the Chairman of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Engineer Felix Ifeagwazi noted that the panel is made of seasoned professionals and are thorough in their investigation, noting that the problem of quacks is still an issue to contend with in the building industry.

 

The Vice Chairman, Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN Inspectors, Anambra State, Engineer Cyril Anaeto, emphasized that implementation is key to achieving results.