Slug: Demolition of sinking 3-storey Maryland building in Enugu begins
Enugu Government officials yesterday, 1 August 2020, demolished the sinking 3-story building in Maryland suburb reported by Enugu Metro.
The operation was however carried out half-way by agents of the Enugu Capital Territory Development Authority (ECTDA) in the afternoon.
Officials withdrew their bulldozers as night approached, but promised to return tomorrow, 3 August, to complete the task.
ECTDA however immediately took to Twitter to announce that it has successfully demolished the structure.
Officials of the Enugu State Environmental Management Agency (SEMA) and the State Fire Service monitored the operation.
SEMA arrived on Thursday night, following an alert, to supervise a midnight operation to evacuate tenants in the building.
The agency also mobilized responsible MDAs – Works Ministry, ECTDA, and Fire Service – to deal with the potential danger.
Residents around the neighborhood have expressed satisfaction and gratitude to government officials for their quick response to the emergency.
ECTDA Marks Adjoining Buildings for Demolition
However, ECTDA officials marked four adjoining structures for possible future demolition, leaving landlords of the affected buildings in tears.
It was not immediately clear whether owners of the affected buildings breached building laws or did not obtain construction permits.
ECTDA had tweeted on Friday that it did not have records of approvals for construction of the affected 3-storey building.
State Commissioner for Works, Engr. Greg Nnaji, who came on an inspection, also regretted that residents ignore building rules.
The 3-storey building is said to have been erected in 2008 and is owned by one Donatus Okeke, officials said.
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