The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has demolished two distressed buildings for not meeting its standard.
Its General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, said the two, three-floor structures were at 151, Itire Road and 14, Akinwunmi Street, in Mushin.
Oki said: “The affected buildings were identified as being highly distressed as far back as last year, but in spite of efforts by the agency to prevail on the recalcitrant owners of the affected buildings to toe the line of due processes and best practices in consonance with LASBCA regulations, including conducting non-destructive tests, the owners did not respond and the agency had to be proactive in removing the buildings to avert a collapse.’’
He emphasised that the decision was taken after a thorough engineering appraisal and monitoring by the agency, Oki said the exercise was to ensure a better physical planning environment for sustainable development and averting loss of lives and property.
He added: “People have shown disregard for the state laws on building construction in the past of which the resultant effects are worrisome.This has to stop for all to enjoy safe and habitable buildings without worries or fear of collapse.’’
He, therefore, appealed to building owners and developers to desist from starting projects without obtaining building planning approvals, seeking authorisation from LASBCA, hiring the professionals and abiding by the building laws and codes.
Oki called on owners and developers of buildings to cultivate the habit of good maintenance culture, carry out engineering appraisal and obtain Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation, which will certify that the building is fit for habitation and assure would-be occupants of a safe and secure environment.
The government has been demolishing and sealing off of properties across the state for breaching the state’s physical planning laws and lack of approval from the relevant authorities.
The government has asked developers and property owners to ensure they get approval from the relevant state authorities before going ahead with their construction in order not to distort the state’s physical planning masterplan.
The LABSCA boss said the exercise had been carried out in various parts of the state such as Ikoyi, Lekki, Ikeja GRA, Magodo GRA, Surulere, Ogudu GRA, and Amuwo Odofin.
According to him, the enforcement of the state’s physical planning laws is to help reduce building collapse.
He maintained that the exercise would be continuous to rid the state of illegal and unapproved building.
Credit: thenationonlineng.net
