Circumstances surrounding the collapse of the N3.9 billion ultra modern convocation arena under construction at the University of Port Harcourt, have been made public, Africa Update can authoritatively report.
The incident which occurred on Monday, was reportedly caused by slight equipment failure or misapplication by on-site operators, Rivers State Government has stated.
The collapse had caused panic in the University as people scampered to safety, while two people sustained injuries during the incident.
In 2020, the Rivers State Government awarded a contract for the construction of the project to Telios Group at N3.9 billion.
In a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Chris Finebone, the government said the two injured people were receiving treatment in a hospital.
Finebone said that a preliminary investigation conducted by the state into the collapse had revealed that the accident was either due to slight equipment failure or misapplication by on-site operators.
He said that safety measures aimed at keeping such accidents at zero level during construction had been put in place, adding that such incidents sometimes happen.
The commissioner added that the state government will continue to enforce strict adherence to safe working conditions and safety standards by all contractors working on all of its projects.
The statement reads in part, “Gladly, no life was lost. Only two individuals obtained injuries – one on his leg and the other on his body. They are receiving adequate medical attention and are in no life-threatening situation at all.
“Considering that Rivers State is presently one huge construction site due to the burning desire of the governor, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to provide the necessary infrastructure for the State and federal institutions/agencies located in the State, it may not be totally unheard of that incidence like this may happen.
“What is important is that should they ever happen, their impact should not result in fatalities. It must be mentioned that, so far, the government has not recorded any fatalities at the numerous construction sites across the State from 2015 to date.
“The general public should discountenance reports that originated from an online news outlet claiming that lives were lost in the accident under reference. This is absolutely false!”
