The Ebonyi State Government has received the report of the panel set up to investigate the partial collapse of Pentagon Hostel, a student lodge at Alex Ekwueme Federal University, Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo (AE-FUNAI).

Receiving the report in his office in Abakaliki, the Commissioner for Capital City and Urban Development, Hon. Sunday Inyima, said the state government would henceforth engage more professional engineers, estate valuers, surveyors, architects, and other relevant bodies in building construction processes to forestall future building collapses in the state.

According to him, the inclusion of certified professionals in construction and approval processes has become imperative to ensure structural integrity and public safety.

It would be recalled that Pentagon Hostel, a two-storey building located directly opposite the university’s main gate, partially collapsed recently, prompting the state government to set up a committee to investigate the incident.

Appreciating the committee for what he described as a “thorough and timely job,” Inyima noted:

“When this incident occurred, we felt it was necessary to institute a panel to uncover the causes of this unfortunate development. Though no lives were lost, students’ properties were destroyed. We did not want to wait for another tragedy before taking action, hence the need for this report, which we have received today.”

The Commissioner assured that the ministry would study the report carefully and forward an executive summary to Governor Francis Nwifuru for further action.

“The Ministry and the government will take this report seriously. I will personally summarize it and present it to His Excellency, who, coincidentally, is also a builder. Government will thoroughly review it and make an official statement,” he said.

He further emphasized that future building approvals in the state would be tied to the involvement of all relevant professional bodies. (Daily Independent)

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