From Blessing Douglas, Port Harcourt
The Rivers State Government said the decision to demolish and rebuild the Rivers State House of Assembly Complex was due to the structural defects resulting from the recent explosion and fire incident which rendered the main building unfit for human use.
In a statement issued by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information Mr Joseph Johnson, he explained that the demolition became necessary after the visit of the Governor to inspect the level of damage done to the building on the day of the fire incident.
According to Johnson, the government invited professionals to advice the government on the integrity of the building.
He said 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.
Johnson 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 reviewed that “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”.
