The Diocese on the Niger (Anglican Communion) in Onitsha, Anambra State, has established a nine-member panel to investigate the recent collapse of a building at Dennis Memorial Grammar School (DMGS) in Onitsha.
The investigation is a collaborative effort involving the Anglican Church, the DMGS Old Boys Association, and the school authorities.
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The five-story building, still under construction and owned by the Anglican Church, collapsed around 1:15 am on Wednesday, June 12.
The incident trapped three construction workers, whoNine-Member Panel to Investigate Anambra School Building Collapse were eventually rescued by Anambra State government officials and Red Cross Society members.
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Unfortunately, one of the workers succumbed to injuries on Thursday, June 13.
To determine the cause of the collapse, the authorities have appointed a panel chaired by Justice Peter Obiorah, with Andy Obianwu serving as secretary.
The other panel members include Shed Onwuasoanya, Dr. Azuka Onweluzo, Ofodile Anieto, Chukwunonto Igboka, Peter Okpala, Samuel Akabogu, and Kingsley Ibekwe.
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The panel’s mandate includes reviewing the administrative and technical processes followed during construction, examining the building plans for compliance with standards, and ensuring proper approvals were obtained from the relevant authorities.
They will also verify whether the architectural design was created by a registered architect with the Architects Registration Council of Nigeria and if the structural design was handled by a COREN-registered structural engineer.
Additionally, the panel will investigate the quality of materials used and the overall supervision during construction.
The panel is expected to submit its report within one month from June 18, 2024, the date of its inauguration.
In attendance at the panel’s inauguration were several notable figures, including Bishop Ephraim Ikeakor of Amichi Diocese, Bishop Obiora Uzochukwu of Mbamiri Diocese, Bishop Prosper Amah of Ogbaru Diocese, Bishop Ndubuisi Obi of Nnewi Diocese, and many priests from the Diocese.
