By Olamilekan FAWAS
The Imo State Chairman of Nigerian Society of Engineers, Mr Emeka Ugoanyawu, has blamed the heavy damage recorded after windstorm wreaked havoc in Imo on Friday on poor engineering works.
Ugoanyawu made the statement in Owerri on Tuesday. He said although windstorm was a natural disaster, the effect would have been minimal if most buildings in the state were properly engineered.
A heavy windstorm on Friday night caused serious damage to property in Imo, including government structures.
Also, a tourism bridge located at Ikemba Ojukwu Centre collapsed on Thursday following a downpour. Both Imo City Secondary School and Owerri Girls’ Secondary School were similarly damaged.
Also, Gov. Rochas Okorocha’s building at Arugo axis was affected, while some part of the Government House also fell.
Ugoanyawu said most buildings in Imo State especially government-owned projects, were substandard.
He said NSE had earlier warned of the effect of poor engineering works in the state, adding that if adequate measures were not taken, there would be more damage in future.
The construction engineer advised Okorocha to ensure that professionals were engaged to execute and monitor projects.
