The Contractor handling the construction of structures at the Ekeoyibo market, Amawbia, Anambra State, Engr Arinze Anyadiegwu has dismissed as sabotage allegations of substandard materials surrounding Thursday building collapse in the market.
The ugly incident which reportedly claimed unconfirmed number of persons, with several others trapped under the rubble was allegedly attributed to substandard engineering work, with compromised building’s structural integrity.
But speaking to newsmen on phone, Anyadiegwu who doubles as the financier of the market, insisted that the materials were of high quality standard.
He said, “The structure is an ongoing ultra-modern toilet with approval from LG allocation.
“I heard about the unfortunate incident from Lagos where I traveled to after receiving an award from Local Government Service Commission (LGSC) on Saturday.
“I want to state categorically that we’ve been using quality standard materials. All the rods we used are 16mm.
“We have over 32 solid pillars with 5feet deep for such a small sized structure. It was well fortified.
“The situation was not out of mismanagement. That place was in contention with enemies who want to do the same thing we did.
“This is pure sabotage. I’ve built over 100 shops in the same market and non had any problem. I’m actually the highest financier of the market.”
Also reacting, President General, Awka South Market Amalgamated Traders Union (ASMATU), Comrade Anayo Nweke said the building that collapsed was an uncompleted storey toilet facility and not shops as reported.
He said a 7-man committee has been constituted to ascertain the remote cause of the incident, with a deadline to submit its reports.