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February 2, 2023
It was reported that the incident led to panic and chaos in the school.
The Rivers State Government, South-South Nigeria has said the collapse of an ultramodern Convocation Arena under construction at the University of Port Harcourt was either caused by slight equipment failure or misapplication by on-site operators.
It confirmed that two people were injured during the incident.
SaharaReporters reported on Monday that Rivers State-funded N3.9 billion Convocation Arena at the university collapsed, injuring at least two people.
It was reported that the incident led to panic and chaos in the school.
In 2020, the Rivers State Government awarded a contract for the construction of the project to Telios Group at N3.9 billion.
In a statement issued by Dr Williams Wodi, the school’s Deputy Director (Information), Alabo George-Kelly, the Special Adviser to Governor Nyseom Wike on Projects, said the “project’s letter of award has already been issued to the company”.
“We are confident that Telios Group will deliver a quality project with attention to details. We do not expect the contractor to cut corners,” he had said.
But in a statement issued on Wednesday by the State Commissioner for Information & Communications, Chris Finebone, the government said the two injured people were receiving treatment in a hospital.
Finebone said that a preliminary investigation the state had conducted into the incident, revealed that the accident was either due to slight equipment failure or misapplication by on-site operators.
He said that safety measures aimed at keeping such accidents at zero level during construction had been put in place, adding that such incidents sometimes happen.
The statement reads in part, "Gladly, no life was lost. Only two individuals obtained injuries – one on his leg and the other on his body. They are receiving adequate medical attention and are in no life-threatening situation at all.
"Considering that Rivers State is presently one huge construction site due to the burning desire of the governor, His Excellency, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to provide the necessary infrastructure for the State and federal institutions/agencies located in the State, it may not be totally unheard of that incidence like this may happen.
"What is important is that should they ever happen, their impact should not result in fatalities. It must be mentioned that, so far, the government has not recorded any fatalities at the numerous construction sites across the State from 2015 to date.
"The general public should discountenance reports that originated from an online news outlet claiming that lives were lost in the accident under reference. This is absolutely false!"
The commissioner added that the state government will continue to enforce strict adherence to safe working conditions and safety standards by all contractors working on all of its projects.