Lagos issues notices on distressed buildings

Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority (LASPEMA) has issued contravention notices on distressed buildings in Ajegunle and other parts of Ifelodun Local Council Development Area (LCDA).
The notices followed an inspection by LASPEMA officials who decried the unlivable state of over 13 buildings which are structurally unstable.
Acting LASPEMA General Manager, Olanrewaju Kazeem, who led the inspection team, said such buildings are not befitting of the status of the state in addition to the danger posed to inhabitants and neighbours.
The landlords of such buildings were issued 48 hours contravention notices while further compliance monitoring was recommended in some other cases.
LASPEMA is working for a sustainable planning and environmental practice that phases out dilapidated and inhabitable buildings.
“Unfriendly environmental practices, like operating mechanic workshops on the road setbacks and unkempt environment, have made efforts of the state government in achieving healthy and sustainable environment less productive,” Kazeem said.
“At the various sites visited, no evidence of development permits was on the ground and no project board erected. It was also gathered that some of the occupants had earlier been asked to relocate but failed to do so.”
Leader of the Hausa community in the area, Adamu Abubakar, confirmed the case of a particular dilapidated building that is still in court.
LASPEMA provided advocacy handbills to the residents to educate and inform the general public on planning environmental guidelines in the state.
One of its field officers, Yisa Salau, condemned the improper discharge of waste water and illegal washing of motorcycles on the road without concern for other road users or the environment.
“Silted drainage is not a way to show we care for our environment, it simply shows we love to waste tax payers’ money in clearing the silted drains and in rebuilding the dilapidated infrastructure,” he said.
LASPEMA appealed to Lagosians to be cautious of planning and environmental challenges and report to the appropriate authority for intervention and sanction in case of abuse.
It also urged all stakeholders in the built sector to do the necessary paperwork before commencing any construction project so as not to endanger lives.