Wale Jagun
Lagos State Government has reemphasised its warning to those erecting buildings without obtaining the necessary permits, restating its determination to arrest the spate of illegal construction and building collapse in the State.
The General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Arc. Gbolahan Oki gave the warning while reacting to a building with an illegal attachment that collapsed today in the Mushin axis of the State.
He explained that preliminary investigation on the two-story building with an illegal attachment collapsed under construction thereby affecting a nearby bungalow. He said that substandard materials were used for the infrastructure, adding that LASBCA had previously served a stop-work order and quit notice on the building which was subsequently sealed but was disobeyed by the property owner.
Oki disclosed further that the owner of the building broke the Government seal to continue the illegal construction, stressing that appropriate action to be taken could include the demolition of other defective structures within the compound, prosecution and seizure of the property to redress the situation.
The General Manager implored residents in the area to desist from erecting any building without requisite permits and stop acting against the law by removing the government seal on defective buildings as such an untoward act is illegal and capable of putting lives at risk.
While debunking the report of losing a baby at the collapsed site, Oki expressed his happiness that no life was lost due to prompt response by the Agency and other emergency responders, revealing that occupants who sustained injuries at the site are receiving medical attention at a nearby medical facility
He further warned developers and property owners against illegal constructions and conversions, especially attachments to existing buildings without approval and strict supervision by the Agency.
He also warned owners of distressed buildings marked for removal to remove them immediately to avoid sanctions from the State Government.
While noting that no responsible government will expose her citizens to any form of danger, Oki decried the total disregard for building regulations by some residents, thereby causing anxiety within the populace.
The General Manager stressed the need for Lagosians to comply with building codes to curb building collapses in the state and avoid unnecessary loss of lives.
He appealed to every owner/developer in the state whose property was not covered by a valid building approval plan and permits to regularise the property and ascertain the structural stability of their building, especially during this rainy season.
