The Head, Public Affairs, Federal Housing Authority, Kenneth Chigelu, has said the developer of the collapsed building at the Gwarimpa area of Abuja flouted approval plans by erecting an extra floor.
Disclosing this via a statement, Chigelu said, “The structure is privately owned. As of the time of collapse, the building was a frame structure with columns, suspended slabs in place, and some block works.
“Preliminary findings revealed that an approval for two floors was granted to the developer, who decided to add an extra floor to the structure.
“Rescue efforts are currently going on to save lives, with responses from all relevant agencies.
“Investigations, which are ongoing, will reveal immediate and remote causes of the collapse.”
As at the time of filling this story, up to three persons were confirmed dead and 21 others rescued, veritynewsonline reports.
The building, which was under construction along 7th Avenue in the Gwarinpa area of Abuja, collapsed around 11am on Thursday.
A construction worker, Samuel Keror, said the building was raised within six months.
Another eyewitness, John Edwin, who lives in the area, said workers on the site, especially labourers conveying blocks to the top, were over 40.
He claimed to have lived in the area for many years and had always known the place to be a reserved green area.
Edwin urged relevant authorities to question the Federal Housing Authority for allegedly allocating green areas to commercial ventures.
The Director, Development Control, Federal Capital Territory Administration, Muktar Galadima, said rescue operation was ongoing.
Some of the survivors were rushed to the General Hospital, Kubwa, while others were rushed to the General Hospital, Lifecamp.
Galadima said many workers were still trapped under the rubbles.