The Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) says it will sanction the developer and owner of plot no 896 Cad Zone, A03, Garki II, Abuja, that collapsed on Tuesday.
The Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council (AMMC), Mr Umar Shuaibu, said this on Wednesday in Abuja while briefing newsmen on the interim report on the collapsed building.
He said that from the preliminary investigation, it was discovered that the developer went beyond the scope of work detailed in the redecoration order issued to him.
According to reports, a whole portion of No 3 Onitsha Crescent plot 896, Cad Zone Garki II, Abuja, collapsed on March 5.
Though no life was lost in the incident, the plot was said to be allocated to one Mr Kilimanjaro Nigeria Limited, in 1994.
“Decommissioning of part of the existing building affected the structural components of the building and excavation of column bases for the erection of unapproved structure.
“The developer hoarded the premises to prevent access and conceal the ongoing works.
“Sudden crumbles of the structure may also signify an over load on the structural members exceeding its ultimate loading capacity as a result of the replacement of building elements that are heavier than the existing ones before operation,’’ he said.
Shuaibu said from the preliminary investigation, the presumed cause of the collapse were: overload on the structural members exceeding its ultimate loading capacity.
“This weakened the building elements and rusting of the steel members as a result of plumbing leakages and carbonation respectively.
“Also the building had been abandoned for some years.
“The developer will be sanctioned for undertaking a major renovation work without seeking approval from the Development Control Department and exceeding the scoop of work issued to him for minor redecoration.
“From now on, integrity test will be conducted on aged buildings in and around the city metropolis so as to enable us identify which building should be reconstructed or rehabilitated,’’ he said.
He explained that further investigation would be conducted on the building.
He warned that developers must ensure that all abandoned structures for three years and above are tested before commencement of development or face sanction.
