Rivers Govt Begins Demolition of Assembly Complex

Blessing Ibunge in Port Harcourt 

The Rivers State Government has disclosed the decision to demolish and rebuild the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex.

The government said due to the structural defects which arose as a result of the recent explosion and fire incident that rendered the main building unfit for human use, hence the demolition exercise ongoing at the complex.

The government made the explanation in a statement issued by the State  Commissioner for Information Mr. Joseph Johnson.

Johnson said after the visit of the governor to inspect the level of damage done to the building on the day of the fire incident, it became necessary to invite professionals to advice the government on the integrity of the building.

According to Johnson “on the night of the attack on the complex explosive dynamites were used to attack the complex which shook it to foundation. There were visible cracks on the walls afterwards, and the entire structure looked frail and unsafe for legislative business

“After the assessment of the integrity of the complex, the experts warned the government that continuing to use the building in its present state would be disastrous”.

He noted that the government had tried all cost saving measures towards repair of the complex until it bowed to superior view of rebuilding the complex to a more befitting edifice.

He added ‘In the interim, the Rivers State Government has provided an alternative venue for the House of Assembly to conduct their affairs pending the rebuilding of the complex”.