ACTDA Seals, Evacuates 100 Occupants of Distressed Residential Building in Awka

By Ukpa Ewa

In its ongoing efforts to mitigate the risk of building collapses, the Awka Capital Territory Development Authority (ACTDA), through its Development Control Unit on Wednesday evacuated residents of Diamond hostel located off St. Joseph the Worker Catholic Church, UNIZIK temporary site, Awka, due to serious structural concerns.

The building, a twin structure primarily housing students and field workers, was evacuated following report of cracks and concern over the building deteriorating condition. Poor drainage around the foundation has reportedly worsened the issue, raising fears of a potential collapse. To prevent any casualty, ACTDA’s enforcement team acted promptly, instructing all occupants to vacate immediately.

Addressing ACTDA officials , the Lodge Caretaker Mr. Francis Okoye acknowledged the urgency of the evacuation, stating that over 100 occupants lived in the building. He said while the government’s action was necessary to protect lives, he hoped for a 48-hour notice for smoother relocation.

Okoye, who became caretaker of the building just two months ago, stated that he had already communicated with the landlord regarding the need to address drainage problems attributed the crack to an uncovered overhead tank combined with heavy rainfall in recent days.

Narrating her ordeal, Success John, a worker who recently moved in to the building, expressed feeling stranded in Awka with no immediate relocation options. Barrister Arinze Nwachukwu, another occupant, noted he had already planned to move due to visible crack on the wall before the visit of ACTDA officials.

Also, Ella Nwoko, another resident, supported ACTDA’s intervention, stating that the landlord’s temporary repairs with frequent plastering of the wall with cement could endanger lives if tenants remained.

In their separate remarks the Senior Building Officer of ACTDA who conducted an on -site assessment to determine the extent of the structural damage, Builder Jude Ejete confirmed that the building’s issues stem from differential settlement and identified substandard construction materials as likely cause While ACTDA’s Head of Works Architect Obi Onourah added that inadequate drainage and structural deterioration over the building’s ten-year lifespan contributed to the crack.

He affirmed that further forensic evaluation would be conducted to assess the building structural viability noting that the swift response from ACTDA demonstrates its commitment to prioritizing safety and preventing potential casualty.The building was sealed off by the enforcement unit to safeguard lives.