Melcom Disaster: Preliminary report cites substandard building materials

Preliminary report on the Melcom disaster blames the use of substandard materials in the construction of the collapsed building.
The investigation was done by an eleven member committee set up by the Ghana Institute of Engineers.
It found that there was no reinforcement in the columns that held the building, low based concrete strength among others.
Amoani Yankson, President of the Ghana Institute of Engineers said the signs are worrying.
“The internal column in the building was overloaded. That is the findings that have come out.
“From our preliminary report, this failure could not have been caused by the soil condition.
“The materials used in constructing the structure were very weak,” he stated.
He said the initial test on the concrete was not encouraging but added a detailed work will be done on it.
But lawyer for the Melcom building owner, Atta Akyea contended the building collapsed because of bad management by tenants, Melcom.
Meanwhile some victims are expressing fears they may be left to their fate.
They allege no official has been in touch with them yet since they were discharged from the hospitals.
But the Public Relations Officer of Melcom, Richmond Oduro Kwarteng denied reports that victims already discharged have been ignored.
Some individuals and corporate organizations have made donations to support the victims.
NPP flagbearer Nana Akufo Addo donated an amount of 10,000 cedis. Former President Rawlings has also presented a cash donation of 6,000 cedis and some food items. Zoomlion Ghana has donated 10,000 cedis, Vodafone Ghana has activated a disaster fundraising platform and the AMA has established a Melcom Disaster fund with a seed capital of 30,000 cedis.
 
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