A structural engineer, Muritala Olawale, told a forensic investigation set up to investigate the collapsed 21-story building in Ikoyi, Lagos on Wednesday that he could not vouch for the integrity of the two remaining skyscrapers (Block A and C).
The Nigerian News Agency (NAN) reports that Mr. Olawale, Managing Director of Prowess Engineering Nigeria Ltd, spoke while answering questions from Lagos State government attorney Akin George.
George referenced Olawale’s letter to Femi Osibona, Managing Director of Fourscore Heights Limited, dated February 20, 2020, in which he withdrew his structural consulting services.
The letter, which went viral online, was posted on social media in the wake of the building’s collapse on November 1.
Mr. George noted that the letter had specifically excluded liability for Block B, which was the collapsed building, and wondered if the letter supported the integrity of the other high-rise blocks (Blocks A and C).
“I’m not sure about the other buildings. We were not part of the approval process, he (Osibona) is our client. We just did what we were told.
“We never got milestone approvals for each of the floors. He bothered us, we kept asking and he said that if the government agencies had any problems, they can come and close the place.
“We did not build Blocks A and C, we supervised it. Fourscore was the builder. The client (Fourscore Heights Ltd) doubled as a contractor / builder, ”he said.
Olawale noted that when he realized that standard procedures were not being observed, his company withdrew his services to Mr. Osibona via letter dated February 20, 2020.
“When we withdrew, the letter was addressed to Fourscore Heights Ltd and no copies were sent to any government agency.
“Osibona was the only one who dealt with the regulatory agencies. I also saw the letter I wrote him on social media on November 1, the day the building collapsed, “he said.
The coroner, Oyetade Komolafe, postponed the procedure until December 16.
The NAN reports that of the three high-rise buildings (Blocks A, B and C) that were located on Gerard Road, Ikoyi, Lagos, Block B (21 floors) collapsed on November 1, killing 46 people and rescued with life to 15..
(YAYA)