A 2-storey building has collapsed in Nekede, Owerri West of Imo State. The building believed to be a hostel for students of Federal Polytechnic, Nekede (FEDPONEK) and Federal University of Technology, Owerri (FUTO) collapsed yesterday evening around 8pm. Pandemonium started when loud rubble-like noise was heard around the area which panicked the students around the building as they took to their heels. The near-completion building was alleged to have collapsed due to the substandard material used in construction work. Further information revealed that the building was constructed through direct labour in order to save cost and possibly make more profit from the construction exercise by the contractor. An eyewitness said the loud noise galvanized students to run for their lives. A builder among the building construction workers who pleaded anonymity said the collapse happened due to the low quality material used in the construction work. As at 11 in the morning, friday, the Imo State Resue Mission workers for emergency situation were seen inspecting the building. At the time of filing the report it was unclear the actual cause of the collapse as the Imo State government officials refused to issue any statement pertaining to the horrible incident. The uncompleted building which was ready for roofing was not occupied when the sudden collapse happened. There was no casualty as it was said that the loud noise from the building was heard early enough which prompted the students and other passers-by to escape from being injured. The contractor handling the building was reported to be at large as at 5pm friday. A Land owner in the area who gave his name as Mr Iyke said that house owners in the school environment are fond of building substandard hostels and that has been happening under the very eyes of the Imo State government regulatory agency. He blamed the government for approving and being apathetic in inspecting such huge structures around the area.Like MyPortalNg on Facebook!
