By; RAYMOND TEDUNJAYE, Lagos
Piqued by the incessant collapse of building and attendant loss of lives, the Lagos State Government has said that it is set to embark on the demolition of identified distressed buildings in the state throughout the week.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, made the disclosure while giving updates on the state government’s prevention plans on collapse buildings.
He stated that the focus of the exercise is on structures that are already marked as distressed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), particularly in Ebute-Metta East where an occupied building collapsed a week ago with many others vividly showing signs of distress.
Salako added that while the assessment of structures in the area and other parts of the State continues, it became pragmatic to promptly remove those earlier identified as being in a critically distressed state to avert disaster as the rains are here.
“The administration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu is committed to ensuring the security of lives and property.
“This underlies our resolve to act promptly in addressing the spate of building collapse by removing inhabitable structures before they cause more havoc, especially during the rainy season when such buildings are more prone to collapse”, he said.
The Commissioner reiterated that residents should maintain vigilance of the environment and report any untoward developments through the Ministry or the State Government communication channels, particularly the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development Mobile App that is available for download both on Google Play and IoS.
Over the weekend, LASBCA pulled down the remains of a three-floor structure that partially collapsed along Chris Ngadi Avenue, Ago Palace Way, Okota.
Salako, stated that a detailed investigation into the remote and immediate causes of the collapse has been ordered.
He noted, however, that a cursory report of the collapse suggested that a section of the building gave way due to over density, stressing that no lives were lost even though the building was in use, while the site had been cordoned off to guarantee safety.
Salako pointed out that another structure under construction on the same street was completely pulled down by LASBCA for poor construction, the use of inferior materials and in order to avert danger.
