News Editor
By David Odama
Governor Caleb Mutfwang of plateau has given a marching order that henceforth all building infrastructure in the state would undergo rigorous integrity tests to prevent future building collapse in the state.
Governor Mutfwang gave the order in Jos when he received the report of the committee set up to investigate the St. Academy School Building Collapsed in Jos. Plateau state.
Gov. Mutfwang while receiving the report, promised to ensure that all building infrastructure in the state undergo rigorous integrity tests to prevent future tragedies.
Governor Mutfwang also issued a strong warning to individuals in illegal possession of government property, directing them to vacate such properties immediately or face severe consequences.
He announced plans to establish a task force before the end of the month to investigate and recover all government-owned properties illegally acquired across the state.
“Anyone in possession of government property acquired unlawfully should surrender it immediately. A task force will be constituted to recover these properties, and those involved in illegal sales or acquisitions will face justice. Be it fraudulent letters of authority or unlawfully obtained certificates of occupancy, we will uncover the truth and take decisive action,” the Governor declared.
He also highlighted plans to restructure and strengthen the Jos Metropolitan Development Board (JMDB) for improved service delivery.
Governor Mutfwang reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to safeguarding lives and properties in Plateau State, emphasising that negligence and illegal activities will not be tolerated.
The Governor commended Danladi Slim Matawal, a professor and chairman of the Committee, and the other members for their thorough and insightful work, described the report as a critical guide for government actions.
Apart from receiving the initial mandate given to the committee. the Governor directed the committee to extend its scope to include assessments of the Jos Main Market and the Rockland Hotel in Laminga.
The additional assignment , the governor said the move is aimed at ascertaining the structural integrity of these facilities for timely interventions.
“When we set up this committee, it was during a very critical moment in the history of our state. We had just come out of mourning the loss of 22 children in the St. Academy School building collapse. The committee was tasked with investigating the causes of building collapses across the state and recommending measures to prevent such tragedies in the future,” the Governor stated.
“Your work is not yet complete. I expect you to assess the Rockland Hotel. Let’s conduct integrity tests on the building to determine the way forward.”
Speaking while presenting the report to the governor, the Committee Chairman, professor Danladi Matawal expressed gratitude to the Governor for the opportunity extended to them to serve. d
Matawal described the assignment as emotionally challenging, given the tragic accounts of the 22 lives lost and 11 others injured due to the building collapse.
The committee chairman disclosed that the management of St. Academy School failed to provide architectural drawings or government approval for the collapsed structure.
He told the governor that the committee among others, recommended that the Plateau State Government should take decisive actions to prevent future occurrences of such incidents.
The report which was presented in three volumes with detailed findings and recommendations of the committee: Volume 1 contains the Executive Summary, Volume 2 has the Main Report, while Volume 3 contains Memoranda and other documents
