By Chuks Collins
The six months old new Anambra State government house has continued to be a disaster scene.
Barely six months after the inauguration of the new Anambra State government house, sections after section have be crumbling, leaking badly and unmanageable.
Another aspect of disaster struck again Thursday night as erected barricades surrounding the New Government House in collapsed following the heavy very windy downpour.
The collapse which triggered untold panic and widespread concern over observed structural defects and integrity of the barricades as well as the entire multi billion Naira hurriedly constructed building has left everyday users and visitors in serious fears.
Visitors to the "Light House" had observed with concerns that numerous defects were noticed with the first shower of the year. They confirmed that the only real rain of the year was last. And it has shown untold major defects in the whole complex.
The 57-house Government House complex, that were reportedly hurriedly constructed, allegedly to shield activities within the premises from public view, particularly around the Governor's Lodge from an insider's source disclosed that the barricades cost millions of naira to set up.
Our source regretted that if the Barricade failed in the first rain of the year, leaving untold debris all over the sprawling new complex it's left to imagination what situation would be when the real rainy season sets in.
According to him, “It was a frightening sight,” “The rain was heavy, but nobody expected the barricades to collapse like that. It shows something is seriously wrong somewhere.” the source said.
“We thank God it happened at night. During the day, this road is always busy. If it had fallen then, many people would have been victims,” he said.
Workers within the entire complex lamented that they were daily afraid of the very defective structures collapsing on their heads.
Visitors have lamented the absence of diagram, and labels on any door or building in a 57 building complex where a professor remain the big overall boss.
Another visitor noted that the defective buildings must have advised why no visitors were allowed into the building with telephone or camera.
The collapsed barricade was erected on a major thoroughfare frequently used by both pedestrians and motorists, heightening fears about what could have occurred had the unfortunate incident happened during the day.
The incident has further fueled public skepticism regarding the quality and execution of the entire new Government House project. Some critics allege that the project was rushed for commissioning.
“There have been whispers that the project was fast-tracked to meet a political deadline,” a local trader claimed.
“Now we are beginning to see signs that corners may have been cut.” a resident said.
As of press time, officials of the Anambra State Government had yet to issue a formal statement especially in view of the fact that Gov Charles Soludo is still out of the country, on the development.
However, sources within the Ministry of Works indicated that an assessment team may be deployed to investigate both the immediate and underlying causes of the collapse.
Civil society groups have also begun calling for an independent probe into the incident, insisting that public funds must not be expended on substandard infrastructure.
“This is not just about barricades,” “It raises serious questions about the overall safety of the entire Government House complex.” a community leader said.
The governor according to source has been briefed.
Debris from the collapsed structures is being partially cleared, although sections of the area remain cordoned off as residents continue to assess the aftermath of what many have described as a “preventable embarrassment.”
The incident is expected to intensify scrutiny of public projects in the state, particularly those executed under tight timelines amid political pressure.
The main landing of the entrance to the Governor's office complex was the first to be renovated and is still ongoing, just few days after its inauguration.