Four family members die as Poultry converted to 44-room residential building collapses in Enugu

• The building, originally approved for animal husbandry, had been converted into a residential space and had 44 rooms, housing around 200 residents
• The collapse occurred on a Friday night after heavy rainfall, raising concerns about the building’s suitability for human habitation
  

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The Enugu Capital Territory Development Agency (ECTDA) has officially verified the tragic loss of four siblings from the same family due to a building collapse that occurred in the Agric Quarters within the Mgbemena area of Coal Camp, Enugu.

Chairman Uche Anya of ECTDA confirmed this distressing incident to reporters on Saturday after conducting an inspection at the site of the collapsed structure.

Mr. Anya pointed out that the bungalow, situated in the Agric Quarters of Coal Camp, crumbled on Friday night at approximately 8 p.m. following heavy rainfall.

He further explained that the building had originally been approved for animal husbandry but had been converted into a residential space. Expressing concern over the building’s suitability for human habitation, Chairman Anya disclosed that it contained 44 rooms and housed approximately 200 residents.

“As soon as we got the intelligence, we rushed to the place. Four children died in the episode.

“It was danger waiting to happen. The construction was irresponsible.

“The place should never have been occupied by human beings. In fact, go there and see.

“Apparently, they claim that they are doing animal husbandry and poultry there but it turned out that there are 44 rooms that human beings are occupying and there must be a population of over 200 people there.

“The fence line was totally unacceptable, nobody does that, and unfortunately, the people we lost in that tragedy are innocent children and it is very painful,” Mr Anya added.

The chairman emphasized that the agency would persist in raising awareness among the public about the importance of residing in a more hospitable environment to prevent any future incidents like this unfortunate one.

He went on to mention that the compliance division of the agency, under his guidance, would rigorously enforce adherence to approved construction plans for buildings constructed by landlords and contractors.

Additionally, the ECTDA promptly issued eviction notices to occupants of the collapsed building and four adjacent structures in close proximity to the accident site.