Except extra – ordinary measures are taken to fortify the structures built at the newly constructed Heroes Square along Concorde hotel, Owerri using the facility for any purpose is running a risk at the expense of lives.
Weekend Imo Trumpeta gathered that Imo people and indeed non – Imolites who thronged the magnificent arena in the past to witness some state events should thank God for escaping unhurt as the events – place is a death trap.
This is coming at the backdrop of recent revelations that the contractor (names withheld) allegedly laid a time bomb by doing a poor job. Indications that there is danger at the arena emerged during one of the events as some of the plastic chairs developed faults and made life unbearable for some people who were at the event for a function.
The bad state of the plastic seats and ill manner some of the structures were fixed attracted the attention of the state government who not only rebuked the contractors for executing a poor job but threatened not to pay them for the project. Worried by the development, the contractor reportedly went and pulled off the faulty plastic seats on the terrace. When our correspondent visited the Heroes square for on – the – spot assessment and verification, the plastic seats that were used to design “Imo is great” have been removed and persons whose identity cannot be properly traced have again resumed work at the place. Our reporter also noticed that some of the iron pillars and roofing sheets are being fortified. None of those met on ground were willing to speak on the matter as they merely referred Imo Trumpeta to the woman in – charge of the venue who is reported not to be in town as at press time.
One of the labourers who spoke under conditions of anonymity opined that the contractor should not be blamed for flaws noticed in the project alleging that the firm that handled the project was not properly mobilized hence the poor job because the contractor wanted to finish the job quick to enable them recoup their money from the state government.
The source added that the state government especially Governor Rochas Okorocha is aggrieved at the poor job hence the directive that the plastic seats be removed and a holistic approach adopted in handling the project.
Our reporter however learnt that government has suspended all state functions at the venue. The suspension Imo Trumpeta gathered may not be unconnected with the danger that lays ahead for the Heroes Square users. Most public events now take place at Ahiajoku center in New Owerri.
It would be recalled that the Heroes square is one of the monumental projects the present administration started when it came to power last year. Since its completion, it has hosted several functions including the “state of Imo” address by the Governor on Feb 14 and lying in state of the late Biafran warlord, Ikemba Odumegwu Ojukwu.
