Wale Jagun
Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, extended the provision of amnesty to owners and developers of existing buildings without planning approvals till December 31st in the state.
The deadline, initially set for the end of October, has been extended to give more property owners the opportunity to regularize their buildings without incurring statutory penalties.
But, Sanwo-Olu, at a two-day Physical Planning Summit on Tuesday, organised by the government at Eko Hotels, Lagos, announced the extension.
The summit was themed: ‘Rethinking Lagos: A New Vision for a Regional and Integrated Megacity.”
Sanwo-Olu, who acknowledged the impacts of the achievements of one of his predecessors, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, which he claimed other successors had continued to build on, noted that town planners must be placed in the rightful position.
In his keynote address, Fashola, a former Minister for Works & Housing said that attainment of megacity status attracts challenges which necessary arm of the government must be up to the task to deal with.
“A megacity is not a choice; it is not a destination, but a status. The number of people within a designated area is 10 million and above. Once you have that, you have a megacity.”
He challenged town planners in the state, stating that:
“The most important member of that cabinet is the town planner. It is the responsibility of town planners to ensure how the megacity evolves.
“The town planners have become docile; they have not taken the driver’s seat; they have not been vocal. If the town planners had taken a step on the journey of visioning, some of the problems we face today would be solved.
“It is the responsibility of the town planners to play a pivotal role before the economic planners come on board.”
On the Bus Rapid Transport (BRT), Fashola pointed out that the government should carry out steps to curtail the excesses of motorcyclists and tricyclists.
“The government will have to reclaim the BRT from the tyranny of motorcyclists, tricyclists, and Europe. I saw hesitancy during my time. The power of the governor can be used to be a good bully. We must reclaim the BRT, we spent a lot of money to build it”, said.
In his welcome address, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, said the theme of the event provided stakeholders the opportunity to come together and chart a course for the future of physical planning in Lagos.
“The maiden Lagos Physical Planning Summit will, over the next two days, explore the proposals in the Operative Development Plans for implementation; evaluate the level of implementation and identify challenges of implementation, associated risks and challenges to accessing finance.”
Olumide lauded Sanwo-Olu for his leadership and contribution to Lagos.
