The Rivers State Government says the demolition of the State House of Assembly Complex in the early hours of today, was based on the bid to avert an impending calamity that could result as a result of the flaw in the structural integrity of the Complex.
This was made known to journalists by the Commissioner for information and communications, Joseph Johnson. Speaking to newsmen today, Johnson explained that the decision to demolish and rebuild the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex was based on advice from experts.
He noted that the Complex which was constructed during the Peter Odili’s administration had remained neglected by previous administrations with little or no maintenance done to the Complex, leading to its dilapidated state.
Johnson stated that the over 20 year old structure was greatly impacted by the explosion that occurred on October 29, thereby rendering it unfit for human use, following recommendations from experts.
He said that after the visit by Governor Siminalayi Fubara to access the level of damage done to the Complex on the day of the fire incident, it became necessary to invite professionals to advise the government on the integrity of the building.
“It would be recalled that on the night of the attack on the complex, explosive dynamite was used to attack the complex, which shook its foundation.
“There were visible cracks on the walls afterwards, and the entire structure looked frail and unsafe for legislative business”, he stressed.
He further stated that the government had tried all cost-saving measures towards the repair of the complex until it bowed to the superior view of rebuilding the complex into a more befitting edifice.
Johnson said, “After the assessment of the integrity of the complex, the experts warned the government that continuing to use the building in its present state would be disastrous.
“In the interim, the Rivers State Government has provided an alternative venue for the House of Assembly to conduct their affairs pending the rebuilding of the complex.”
Recall that Africa Update had earlier today written a report about the demolition of the Assembly complex.
