Chinedum Treasure
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) has evacuated residents of Diamond hostel located off St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, UNIZIK temporary site, Awka, Anambra State due to serious structural concerns.
The building, a twin structure primarily housing students and field workers, was evacuated of its occupants following report of cracks and concern over the building deteriorating condition.
Poor drainage around the foundation has reportedly worsened the situation, raising fears of a potential collapse.
In its ongoing efforts to mitigate the risk of building collapses and to prevent any casualty, ACTDA’s enforcement team through its Development Control Unit 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.
He said while the government’s action was necessary to protect lives, he hoped for a 48-hour notice for 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 problem, attributed the crack to an uncovered overhead tank combined with heavy rainfall in recent days.
Narrating her ordeal, Success John, a worker who recently moved in to the building, expressed feeling stranded in Awka with no immediate relocation options.
Barrister Arinze Nwachukwu, another occupant, noted he had already planned to move due to visible crack on the wall before the visit of ACTDA officials.
Another resident, Ella Nwoko supported ACTDA’s intervention, stating that the landlord’s temporary repairs with frequent plastering of the wall with cement could endanger lives if tenants remained.
In their separate remarks, Builder Jude Ejete, Senior Building Officer of ACTDA 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 likely cause, while 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 crack.
He further affirmed that forensic evaluation would be conducted to assess the building structural viability noting that the swift response from ACTDA demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing safety and preventing potential casualty.
The building was sealed off by the enforcement unit to safeguard lives.
About Author
