Lagos Govt begins demolition of shanties, unapproved buildings in Ikeja GRA 

The train, led by the Everlasting Secretary of the Lagos State Constructing Management Company (LASBCA), Gbolahan Oki, focused areas violating constructing laws, as reported by the Information Company of Nigeria (NAN).

The workforce moved via streets like Michael Otedola, Sowemimo, Remi Fani-Kayode, and Ajisafe, knocking down unauthorised stalls and altered buildings.

Oki mentioned some property homeowners had legitimate approvals however violated phrases by changing buildings, comparable to turning 4 flats into eight, thereby straining infrastructure and distorting the city plan.

“There have been complaints from the residents of Ikeja GRA about abnormalities within the development course of. 

“We started enforcement from 9.00 a.m. at the moment and visited many development websites. Most of them even have legitimate approvals, and even the buildings assumed to not conform, do, actually, meet the required requirements,” Oki said.

He added, “Some individuals get approval for 4 flats however flip them into eight, or they’ve approval to construct a duplex however they convert it. 

“This places a heavy burden on public infrastructure. We will’t let Ikeja GRA grow to be like Ajegunle.”

Extra insights

The LASBCA Everlasting Secretary mentioned the company had earlier issued letters to all property homeowners in Ikeja GRA, requesting the submission of constructing approvals for verification.

He defined that the enforcement train adopted satisfactory discover and engagement with stakeholders, and was geared toward eradicating shanties, makeshift stalls, and unauthorised buildings linked to unlawful actions in an effort to restore security, order, and correct city planning.

• Oki added that buildings discovered to be in violation of planning laws had been marked for corrective motion, and if homeowners did not comply, such buildings can be demolished.
• The NAN report additional famous {that a} resident and group chief, Mr. Tunde Disu, expressed assist for the federal government’s intervention, describing it as lengthy overdue.
• He famous that the unfold of unlawful buildings had worsened safety issues and hampered efficient surveillance by each personal safety groups and the police.

Disu additionally mentioned the residents’ affiliation would collaborate with companies such because the Lagos State Waste Administration Authority (LAWMA) to wash up the neighbourhood and maintain violators accountable.

What it’s best to know  

Over the previous months, the Lagos State Authorities has demolished a number of buildings throughout the state for varied causes, starting from security issues to violations of city planning legal guidelines.

Demolition workouts, nonetheless, would proceed in instances the place buildings pose a threat to public security, comparable to these erected below high-tension energy strains, on pipelines, throughout drainage channels, or inside designated rights of approach.