COREN Okays Debris Evacuation At Collapsed Gombe Assembly, Continues Probe

The investigative panel set up by the Council for the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) to determine the cause of the structural failure at the new Gombe State House of Assembly Complex has authorised the controlled evacuation of debris from the collapsed section.

Addressing journalists in Gombe, the Chairman of the COREN Investigation Panel, Engr. Ishaka Lawan, represented by Engr. Lawan Abdullahi, said the approval followed a preliminary assessment of the site and was granted solely to facilitate the ongoing forensic investigation.

Recall that barely four weeks ago, LEADERSHIP reported that one worker died and seven others were injured after a section of the New Gombe State House of Assembly Complex under construction collapsed.

The incident occurred when a cantilevered entrance canopy being constructed gave way at the project site, the state officials said.

He explained that the contractor was permitted only to remove the collapsed debris, damaged structural components and other obstructions to ensure public safety, preserve the integrity of the site and provide investigators with unhindered access to conduct a comprehensive technical examination.

“The contractor is hereby given temporary approval to commence the controlled evacuation and removal of the collapsed debris, damaged structural components and other obstructions within the affected area. This approval is solely intended to ensure public safety, facilitate access for further technical investigations and preserve the integrity of the site.

“It is important to emphasise that this is not a final approval for the contractor to resume or continue the permanent construction works,” he said.

Lawan noted that the panel’s work was being conducted in line with its Terms of Reference and would involve detailed forensic and engineering assessments to establish both the immediate and underlying causes of the structural failure.

He said no decision would be taken on the continuation of construction until the panel concludes its investigation and submits its findings and recommendations to the appropriate authorities.

The panel also sought to dispel what it described as misinformation surrounding the incident, clarifying that the collapse affected only the entrance cantilever canopy of the proposed Assembly Complex and not the main structure of the building.

“The structural failure occurred only at the entrance canopy of the proposed State House of Assembly Complex. This distinction is important to ensure that the public receives accurate information,” he stated.

Lawan commended the Gombe State Government for its cooperation since the investigation began, urging the public to rely solely on official updates from the COREN Investigation Panel and disregard unverified reports.