ACTDA Evacuates Occupants of Near-Collapsing Building in Awka
By Ikemefuna Asika
The Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA) Development Control Unit has taken decisive action to evacuate occupants from a dangerously dilapidated building in Ifite Awka, Anambra State capital.
According to the Media Officer of ACTDA, Ukpa Ewa Eke, the aim is to forestall the imminent danger posed by the property to the occupants.
Addressing occupants of the structure, the Deputy commander of ACTDA Development Control Unit Mr. Ukachukwu Okonkwo informed them that the major aim of the agency was to safeguard lives noting that the building appears to be on the brink of collapse.
Mr. Okonkwo noted that despite receiving eviction notices from the landlord, the occupants had refused to vacate the premises hence the ACTDA’s intervention, aiming to avert any potential tragedy from the imminent collapse.
“Our major aim is to forestall imminent danger of building collapse and save lives and property. We learned through the caretaker, that the owner had issued eviction notices, but the occupants refused to leave as no measures were in place,” he explained.
Mr. Okonkwo who emphasized the urgency of the evacuation said the enforcement team were on ground to evacuate the occupants to save lives.
“We hope to collaborate with the owner to explore possible ways to salvage the building. If not, we will proceed with the full demolition of the structure, which poses a significant threat to the state and its citizens,” he stated.
The twin structure, located at Dubai Lodge on Five Decking Street, Ifite, primarily houses Students, shows severe signs of distress with parts already cracking.
The caretaker, who spoke on the condition of anonymity, applauded ACTDA for their timely intervention expressing optimism that the agency possessed the necessary capacity and expertise to handle the evacuation effectively.
