Less than a year after renovation works were conducted at the Imo State House of Assembly Complex, the 27 lawmakers have abandoned the premises owing to structural defects that may result in its collapse.

Already, the lawmakers have relocated to the Ahiajoku Trade and Investment Centre as temporary complex for their legislative functions, and currently make use of plastic chairs for their official functions.

It was gathered that the lawmakers now hold their executive sessions at the Speaker’s Lodge at Port Harcourt road, Owerri, from where they come to their temporary chamber for plenaries.

A visit to the Assembly complex revealed huge structural defects. While the roof is caving in, the walls reveal gaping cracks.

Sources who pleaded anonymity said the State Government, contrary to the original design and structural specification, used lesser quality materials for the demarcation of the offices, nine inches blocks to demarcate the offices of the lawmakers and those of the members of staff, which added more weight to the load already borne by the original foundation.

The complex which is about caving was remodelled less than one year ago by the State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, and it was being alleged that it was as a result of the unprofessional work carried out that caused the current structural defects which have forced the lawmakers to abandon the complex.

Meanwhile, the new venue for the legislative activities is witnessing low turnout of lawmakers, owing to lack of conducive offices and facilities.

On their part, the staff of the Assembly and the legislative aides are currently stranded, due to lack of offices.

Reacting to the development, Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of the Imo State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Acho Ihim, Mr Ben Ilochonwu said that there was no cause for alarm, as the lawmakers were expected to return to the Assembly complex in a month’s time.

“We are managing Ahiajoku complex for now until all the rehabilitation works are completed,” Ilochonwu said.

•Sourced from The AUTHORITY.

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