A heartbreaking tragedy unfolded in Enugu on Friday night when a building collapsed in the Agric Quarters of Mgbemena, Coal Camp, Enugu North local government area. The incident claimed the lives of four siblings, all children of the same parents.
Upon investigating the scene, Hon. Uche Anya, the chairman of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Agency (ECTDA), revealed that the collapsed structure, originally approved for animal husbandry purposes, had been illegally converted into residential units.
Anya expressed his deep concern, stating, "The collapsed building was not suitable for human habitation. The construction was irresponsible, and it was a disaster waiting to happen." The building, designed for animal husbandry, had a shocking 44 rooms occupied by over 200 people.
Moreover, the chairman pointed out that the property's fencing was entirely unacceptable. He lamented the loss of innocent children in this tragic incident and emphasized the need for public awareness regarding safe living conditions.
In response to this devastating event, the ECTDA chairman pledged that the agency would intensify efforts to educate the public on the importance of residing in safe and compliant structures. He further assured that the agency's Compliance unit, under his leadership, would rigorously monitor and enforce adherence to approved building plans by landlords and contractors.
This heart-wrenching incident serves as a stark reminder of the critical importance of building safety and responsible land use, as the Enugu community mourns the loss of four young lives.
