DMGS Building collapse: Nwokolo orders resumption of work, as panel blames foundation failure to poor soil

Chinedum Treasure

Bishop of Niger Diocese, Rt. Rev Owen Nwokolo has directed the DMGS Centenary Committee to recommence work in the ongoing construction of Dennis Memorial Grammer School (DMGS) Centenary building project.

The construction of the building which collapsed on June 12 was suspended following setting up of panel of inquiry to investigate the cause of the collapse.

The Bishop, in a statement signed by
Director Communications, Sir Oselloka Offoh (Iyaa-Aselle) also directed the committee to take necessary steps in accordance with the Findings and Recommendations of the Two Panels (Anambra Govt & Niger Diocesan Panels) On The Use of A RAFT FOUNDATION.

He appreciated the work of the DMGS Centenary Committee, as well as the two Panels for their sacrifice and diligence in carrying out their tasks.

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He expressed optimism that DMGS would rise above the tragedy and would continue its efforts to create lasting legacy for the Centenary Celebration with the support of the old boys.

The statement reads, “The Bishop appreciated in no small measure the work of the DMGS Centenary Committee and therefore directs the Committee to recommence this landmark Centenary project, taking Necessary Steps In Accordance with the Findings And Recommendations of the Two Panels( Anambra Govt & Niger Diocesan Panels) On The Use of A RAFT FOUNDATION.

“The Bishop expressed gratitude to the TWO Panels for their sacrifice & diligence in carrying out their tasks and remains hopeful that DMGS Wil rise above this tragedy and with the support of the old boys will continue the efforts to create a lasting legacy for the Centenary Celebration.

“The two Panels had in their separate Reports after their investigations established, 1.That all administrative and technical procedures were followed in the Construction of the DMGS Centenary Building .

“That the architectural and structural designs of the building were carried out by qualified professionals registered with their respective regulatory bodies on Nigeria.

“That Soil testing was done before the structural design and construction.

“That approval was received from the Anambra state Physical Planning Board (ANSPPB).

“That the Steel Rods used in the construction underwent proper quality assurance testing at the Anambra State Materials Testing Laboratory, Awka.

“That the construction was inspected at appropriate intervals by by mandated regulatory authorities and deemed satisfied at the end thereof. At no point during the construction stage was any negative queries raised nor work other issued to stop work or effect any remedial corrections.

“That the post-disaster forensic testings confm that the quality of the steel rods and concrete castings met the expected standards.

“The Two Panels in their independent Reports established that the likely CAUSE of the Collapse of the DMGS Centenary Building was FOUNDATION FAILURE due to POOR SOIL CONDITIONS that could not have been foreseen by the Engineers or the statutory inspection.”