By Ukpa Ewa
In its ongoing efforts to mitigate the risk of building collapses, the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), through its Development Control Unit, evacuated residents of Diamond Hostel, located off St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, UNIZIK temporary site, Awka, due to serious structural concerns.
The building, a twin structure
primarily housing students and field workers, was evacuated following reports
of cracks and concerns over the building's deteriorating condition. Poor
drainage around the foundation has reportedly exacerbated the issue, raising
fears of a potential collapse. To prevent any casualties, ACTDA’s enforcement
team acted promptly, instructing all occupants to vacate immediately.
Addressing ACTDA officials, the
lodge caretaker, Mr. Francis Okoye, acknowledged the urgency of the evacuation,
stating that over 100 occupants lived in the building. While he agreed that the
government’s action was necessary to protect lives, he hoped for a 48-hour
notice to facilitate a smoother relocation.
Okoye, who became caretaker of
the building just two months ago, shared that he had already communicated with
the landlord regarding the need to address drainage problems. He attributed the
cracks to an uncovered overhead tank combined with recent heavy rainfall.
Narrating her ordeal, Success
John, a worker who recently moved into the building, expressed feeling stranded
in Awka with no immediate relocation options. Barrister Arinze Nwachukwu,
another occupant, noted that he had already planned to move due to visible
cracks in the walls before ACTDA’s visit.
Another resident, Ella Nwoko,
supported ACTDA’s intervention, stating that the landlord’s temporary repairs —
frequent plastering of the walls with cement — could endanger lives if tenants
remained.
In their separate remarks,
ACTDA’s Senior Building Officer, Builder Jude Ejete, who conducted an on-site
assessment to determine the extent of the structural damage, confirmed that the
building’s issues stem from differential settlement and identified substandard
construction materials as a likely cause. ACTDA’s Head of Works, Architect Obi
Onourah, added that inadequate drainage and structural deterioration over the
building’s ten-year lifespan contributed to the cracks.
He affirmed that further
forensic evaluation would be conducted to assess the building's structural
viability, noting that ACTDA’s swift response demonstrates its commitment to
prioritizing safety and preventing potential casualties.
The building was sealed off by
the enforcement unit to safeguard lives.
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