.png)
By Madu Obi
Twenty seven survived victims of the building collapse at the Ochanja Market in Onitsha have received a total sum of N 700,000.00 from the leadership of the market. They received amounts ranging from N20,000 to N25,000.
This came as the hospitals providing medical attention to the victims have stopped further treatment of the victims on the ground that they cannot afford to pay for the medicare.
According to the spokesman of the victims, Mr Simon Chijioke "those hospitals are no longer treating us because there is no money to pay them and we have resigned to fate waiting for the promise of the governor to off set our medical bills".
It was gathered that in addition to the initial report that six persons died as a result of the building collapse, two more persons died at a private hospital where they were rushed to on that fateful day.
Chijioke added: "The market leaders through their women wing, invited us to Ochanja and those that were injured in the building collapse, twenty seven of us, were given N20,000.00 and some N23,000.00 each to take care of our medical expenses.
"They made sure that everyone of us got something and it is not the amount that matters, but the heart and intention to assist us and we commend them for that. "
Chijioke however said that the number of those working at the site before the building collapse was 125 persons, adding that despite the six persons confirmed death, two more persons later died at White Chapel Hospital, Onitsha.
Chairman of Onitsha South local government area, Chief Emeka Orji explained that the compilation of the list of victims has been concluded, adding that last minute arrangements have been made for the payment.
"You all know that government has a process and the governor had directed us to compile their names, which we have done and we appeal to those hospitals to continue to provide them with the best medical attention available and we guarantee those medical institutions that all the bills will be settled" he said.
Comentários