Plateau State Governor, Caleb Mutfwang, has vowed to prioritize building safety across the state.
His pledge was made following the submission of a report on the tragic collapse of a school building in Jos on July 12, 2024.
Report has it that the incident occurred at Saint Academy in the Busa Buji community, and claimed 22 lives with 154 individuals trapped.
The governor, while receiving the report from the committee led by Prof. Danladi Matawal at the Twins Theatre, New Government House, Jos, described the document as a critical guide for government action.
He commended the committee for its thorough investigation and directed it to expand its scope to include structural assessments of the Jos Main Market and Rockland Hotel in Laminga.
“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 precious children in the Saint Academy School building collapse,”
“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,” he said.
The committee’s findings revealed that the management of Saint Academy failed to provide architectural drawings or secure government approval for the collapsed structure.
In addition, Governor Mutfwang issued a stern warning to individuals unlawfully occupying government-owned properties.
“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,” Mutfwang declared.
He emphasized that fraudulent documents, including letters of authority and certificates of occupancy, would be investigated and addressed decisively.
The governor also announced plans to restructure the Jos Metropolitan Development Board to enhance service delivery and ensure adherence to urban planning regulations.
Meanwhile, rural communities in Plateau State have voiced their displeasure over an alarming shortage of personnel at Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs).
The shortage according to them, has left many vulnerable to inadequate medical services in the State while urging the government to recruit and train healthcare professionals, upgrade infrastructure, and partnering with NGOs.
