Abia assures Ekeoha Textile Market remodeling will follow specification
…debunks claims of collapse
Abia State Government has reiterated its commitment to ensuring that the ongoing remodelling of Ekoha Textile Market follows the approved specification.
Uche Ukeje, director general, Greater Aba Development Authority (GADA), gave the assurance, Wednesday during an inspection of work at the site, following a minor props failure recorded, Tuesday at a section of the project.
Consequently, Abia State Government has set up an Independent Investigation Committee (IIC) through the Greater Aba Development Authority to thoroughly assess the cause and extent of the incident and deliver an unbiased report within two weeks.
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The committee is made up of experts from the Nigeria Society of Engineers, Nigeria Institute of Builders, and the Nigerian Institute of Architects.
Also, a swift response from GADA included sealing off the construction site to prevent any further work until the investigation is concluded.
Following the Committee’s preliminary findings from their visit to the site,
Felix Nnabugwu, the committee’s chairman, confirmed that there was no structural collapse and no reported fatalities.
He promised that the committee will provide a comprehensive report within the specified timeframe and urged the public to ignore any misinformation contradicting this release and reassures everyone that the findings will be shared transparently, underlining their commitment to protecting the safety of the community.
Rhino Homes, the developer and concessionaire to the project, clarified that
contrary to reports circulating in some quarters, there was no structural collapse at the site.
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The company in a statement obtained by BusinessDay, stated that the incident was limited to a temporary props failure, which occurred as a result of the sub-contractor’s reuse of bamboo props during the concrete casting process.
While the company deeply regrets the unfortunate incident, it assures the public, stakeholders, and shop owners that the integrity of all the ongoing structures within the complex remains sound and uncompromised.
Rhino Homes further reiterates its unwavering commitment to quality, safety, and adherence to best construction practices, values that have defined its reputation over the years.
The company emphasised that it employs only top-grade construction materials, including TMT iron rods, Lafarge Superset cement, and other materials of international standards and quality.
These materials, combined with rigorous engineering supervision, ensure that all structures within the Ekeoha-Aba Shopping Centre meet globally recognised benchmarks for durability and safety.
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In the spirit of transparency and accountability, Rhino Homes welcomes any inspection or assessment by relevant regulatory and professional bodies to verify the quality of materials and the overall standard of construction at the site.
The company also restates its confidence in the ongoing project and assures the public that corrective measures have already been implemented to prevent any recurrence of such incidents.
Rhino Homes remains steadfast in its commitment to the successful completion and timely delivery of the Ekeoha-Aba Shopping Centre, a modern commercial complex, designed to meet the needs of traders, investors, and the wider Aba community, while standing as a symbol of engineering excellence and urban renewal.
