Mr Valentine Ozigbo, Labour Party (LP) stalwart and a former Governorship candidate in Anambra State, has expressed heartfelt condolences to the affected families, traders, and victims of the building collapse at Ochanja Market in Onitsha, Anambra State.
He expressed sadness with the needless loss of lives and the injuries sustained by innocent traders and workers at the collapsed building which was still under construction.
Describing the incident as unfortunate, Mr Ozigbo canvassed for strict compliance with required building standards to prevent similar tragedies in future.
He also called upon regulatory agencies like the Anambra State Physical Planning Board and Anambra State Building Material Testing Laboratory Agency to rigorously enforce compliance with all building codes and regulations.
Ozigbo also called for an urgent investigations into the remote and immediate cause of the collapse, emphasizing the importance of ensuring the use of only quality and standard materials which guarantees the safety of lives and property in the community.
The statement quoted Ozigbo as saying: “I am devastated by the heart-wrenching news of the building collapse at Ochanja Market, Onitsha, which claimed many lives while leaving others injured and trapped.
“I extend my deepest condolences to those who have lost their loved ones. My thoughts and prayers are fervently with the injured, praying for their swift and complete recovery, and for solace to embrace the grieving families.
“I also offer my hand of solidarity to the families of the victims and the entire business community in Onitsha affected by this tragic event.
“This tragic incident underscores the urgent need for stringent measures to ensure that construction projects adhere to the highest safety standards. I implore the State government to take decisive action in implementing and enforcing all building regulations, sparing no effort to prevent such occurrences in future.
“I therefore call upon such regulatory bodies like the Anambra State Physical Planning Board and Anambra State Building Material Laboratory Testing Agency to rigorously enforce compliance with construction standards.
“Moreover, the State government should constitute a panel to urgently investigate the remote and immediate cause of this catastrophe in order to put a stop to these needless loss of lives and property.
“Moreover, all construction must be with valid planning permit and there should be strict enforcement of building safety regulations across the State and all stakeholders must work to ensure that building collapses does not become routine.
“I also express my deepest gratitude to the brave men and women responders who have been involved in the rescue efforts. There selfless actions have undoubtedly saved lives and their unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of others is a beacon of hope in this dark hour.”
