A Nigerian government-established investigative panel has concluded that the collapse of a two-storey school building in Jos, Plateau State, was attributed to the utilisation of substandard and weak materials.
Samson Duna, Director General of the Nigerian Building and Road Research Institute, addressed journalists in Jos, revealing the panel’s findings.
Chaired by O.F. Job from the University of Jos’ Building Department, the panel identified significant structural issues with the building.
According to Job, a physical inspection revealed distress signs and indications of substandard materials used in the building’s construction.
“The slab reinforcement anchorage provided was inadequate,” he said.
He noted that the investigation committee had commenced its probe into the matter and conducted an initial review, which revealed that the footing dimensions provided were smaller than the required size (1200 mm x 1200 mm).
A physical inspection of the building showed signs of distress. According to him, the committee will present a detailed report at the conclusion of the investigation.
The preliminary report highlighted concerns regarding the quantity of concrete used and the adequacy of separation between the concrete and steel reinforcement, necessitating additional investigation.
Moreover, the anchorage provided for slab reinforcement was found to be inadequate. The investigator emphasised the importance of prioritising integrity tests for all structurally compromised buildings, particularly those in close proximity to the collapsed site, and urged governmental and professional bodies in the construction sector to take appropriate action.
Last Friday, SaharaReporters reported how a two-storey building at Little Saint Academy located at the Busa Buji community in Jos North Local Government Area of the state collapsed while pupils were taking an examination, killing no fewer than 22 people.