Okorocha's Prototype Twin One-Storey School Building Collapses In Owerri

The prototype twin one-storey Owerri City model primary school
buildings in Imo State, last Tuesday, collapsed following a heavy rain
in the state. No life was lost.

The school is located in the heart of the metropolis and re-built as
Governor Rochas Okorocha's symbol of electoral success because of the
role the old school premises played in his emergence when it wore the
toga of the Township School. It was at that very ground that the
governor made his legendary declaration that gave him his victory in
2011.

The school blocks which were erected in each of the three hundred and
five ward centres across the state had been eulogized by many Imolites
as unprecedented in the state.

The fallen part of the building has put fears in the minds of parents
who now see the edifices as a potential death trap for their hapless
pupils.

The cause of the collapse was not immediately known but many believe
it might have been as a result of structural defects.

Meanwhile, many concerned Imolites have expressed apprehension over
the incident.

Mrs. Angela Chukwueke, a subsistent farmer from Isiala Mbano local
government area of the state whose three children attend primary
schools in some of the structures in the state said that their layout
has always instilled fears in her.

She said with the development she is now in a quandary over the safety
of her kids.

Mrs. Patience Onyegbule, a trader and mother of two whose daughter
attends the Owerri City School, told Weekend Nigerian Horn that she
had not allowed her child, Oluchi, to go to the school ever since she
heard about the incident, stating that she is somewhat confused.

Mrs. Onyegbule said what is important to her was her daughter's safety
and not the free tuition by the government.

Chief James Ibeh, a businessman in Owerri, said that he would find an
alternative school for his son.

He said, "Free education or not, at the end of this school year I
shall withdraw my son and put him in a private school. You never can
tell. Anything can happen, but God forbid!"

Chief Ibeh, however, sang praises that the collapsing happened when
there was no pupil in the school.

A civil engineer who would not want his name in print said the cost of
putting up each of those buildings could have been used on erecting
solid and well-constructed ones.

He regretted that the jet-speed with which they were built was another
reprehensible factor.
--Hornnews