Nearly a month after the collapse of the cantilever entrance canopy at the proposed Gombe State House of Assembly Complex, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, says investigations into the incident have entered another critical phase.
The council has authorised the controlled evacuation of debris from the affected section of the project, insisting the exercise is solely to facilitate its forensic investigation and should not be interpreted as approval for construction to resume.
What remains of the collapsed cantilever entrance canopy has become the focal point of an intensive engineering investigation.
The mangled steel, broken concrete and debris have remained intact since the structural failure at the proposed Gombe State House of Assembly Complex, preserving what investigators consider critical evidence.
Now, the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria, COREN, has authorised the controlled evacuation of the collapsed materials, describing the exercise as a necessary step to facilitate a comprehensive forensic and technical assessment of the site.
“The contractor is hereby given temporary approval to commence the controlled evacuation and removal of the collapsed debris, damaged structural components and other obstructions within the affected area. This approval is solely intended to ensure public safety, facilitate further technical investigations and preserve the integrity of the site. It should not be interpreted as approval to resume construction work”, an official of COREN, Lawan Abdullahi stated.
COREN says engineers are carrying out a detailed forensic investigation to establish both the immediate and underlying causes of the structural failure, with the findings expected to guide future decisions on the project.
The panel also clarified that the collapse was limited to the entrance canopy and did not affect the main structure of Assembly building, urging members of the public to disregard contrary reports.
The investigative panel commended the Gombe State Government for its cooperation since the exercise began and appealed to residents to remain calm as the investigation continues.
It says any decision on the future of the project will be guided by the outcome of its final report, with public safety and engineering best practices remaining its overriding priorities.
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(Editor: Anoyoyo Ogiagboviogie)
