Lagos clamps down on illegal structures, seals 35 building sites

THE Lagos State government has placed 35 structures under lock in its bid to avert dangers associated with such buildings.

The disclosure was contained in a statement issued by spokesman for the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LABSCA), Gbadeyan Abdulraheem, yesterday.

According to the statement, LABSCA and the state’s Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has commenced an enforcement against illegal developments with the closure of 35 building sites in the state.

The team was led by the General Manager of LABSCA, Gbolahan Oki, to several construction sites and buildings in Eti-Osa, Magodo, Ogudu, Gbagada Phase II, and other parts of Lagos.

While speaking during the exercise, Oki said the 35 sites were sealed for offences that centre on construction without permit and failure to obtain necessary authorization from authorities.

He further stated that officials of the agency sealed a highly distressed building, waiting to collapse at No. 33, Oko Baba Street, Ebute Metta, and dispersed the school children inhabiting the building.

“While the officials of LASPPPA were on ground to ascertain and validate the approvals obtained by the various construction sites visited as well as monitor layouts and development schemes, the officers from LABSCA were on ground for identification of distressed and non-conforming building while also inspected and certified various stages of building construction works.”

The LABSCA general manager said the enforcement drive would be continuous and pleaded with residents to follow proper channels in processing their construction works and necessary permits from the State Government, reiterating the determination of the Babajide Sanwo-Olu-led administration to ensure that buildings in the state are designed, constructed and maintained to high standards of safety to avoid loss of lives and properties.

Lagos has recorded series of collapsed buildings in recent years which many believe are attributable to substandard materials used and unprofessionalism by the builders.