LASBCA GM Moves into Action after Reinstatement, Demolishes Distressed Buildings
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has demolished two troubled structures as part of its commitment to rid the state of non-conforming structures.
Arc. Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager, confirmed that the demolition of two three-story structures at 151 Itire Road and 14 Akinwunmi Street, both in Mushin, is part of the State's efforts to achieve the vision of zero-tolerance for building collapse. The GM made it clear that it will no longer be business as usual in the state.
"The affected buildings were identified as being highly distressed as early as last year," Oki said, "but despite all efforts by the Agency to persuade the recalcitrant owners of the affected buildings to toe the line of due processes and best practices in accordance with LASBCA regulations, including conducting NonDestructive Tests, the owners did not respond, and the Agency had to be proactive in removing the buildings to avert a collapse."
Oki emphasized that the decision was made after a thorough engineering appraisal and monitoring conducted by the Agency across the State, and that the goal was to ensure a better physical planning environment for sustainable development while avoiding unnecessary loss of lives and property. His own words; "In the past, people have disregarded state laws governing building construction, with disastrous consequences. This must cease in order for everyone to enjoy safe and habitable buildings free of worry or fear of collapse”
He urged building owners and developers to refrain from beginning projects without first obtaining Building Planning Approvals, obtaining authorization from LASBCA, engaging the services of relevant professionals, and generally abiding by the State's building laws and codes.
Oki also urged owners and developers of existing buildings to cultivate a culture of good maintenance, conduct engineering appraisals as needed, and obtain a Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation, which certifies that the building is fit for habitation and assures would-be occupants of a safe and secure environment.
Arc. Oki gave the warning during an engagement with members of the Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos State (AREDOLS) at the Agency's head office in GRA, Ikeja. Addressing members of the Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos State, Arc. Oki warned that, henceforth, all developers must ensure that buildings conform to requirements of the law such as engagement of building professionals - Architects, Engineers, and Builders – during building projects in order to ensure the stability of buildings.
“The Agency will begin site by site inspection to compel compliance and any site without the presence of at least a professional will be sealed off and the developer will be highly sanctioned”, Oki said.
The General Manager spoke further saying that the General Contractor AllRisk Insurance Policy must be taken seriously as the relevant unit of the Agency has been fully activated to intensify enforcement and seal off any building site, above two floors, that does not have evidence of the policy on demand.
Oki maintained that the names of all artisans working on-site, including iron benders, welders, bricklayers, carpenters, and others must be provided on demand with their respective passport photographs while all concrete works have to be assessed by Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory and the test results submitted to LASBCA as applicable.
He also warned developers to desist from harassing and obstructing State officials while carrying out their legal duties, insisting that the dastardly act would attract serious sanctions, including prosecution.
Mr. Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu, the Lagos State Governor ordered the immediate reinstatement of Architect Gbolahan Oki, the Lagos State Building Control Agency's suspended General Manager (LASBCA). Following the collapse of a 21-story high-rise building along Gerrard Road in Ikoyi, the suspension took effect on November 1, 2021. According to a statement signed by the Head of Service, Mr. Hakeem Muri-Okunola, Arc. Oki was reinstated after the Administrative Personnel Management Board (Disciplinary Committee) cleared the General Manager in accordance with existing laws to determine the level of involvement and culpability of Lagos State Government officials.
Subsequently, the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development and its Agencies gathered in the Ministry's Conference Room to congratulate Arc. Gbolahan Oki on his reinstatement as the General Manager, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), following his suspension for more than five months as a result of the Gerrard building collapse in Y2021.
Dr. Idris Salako, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, said Arc. Oki's reinstatement was a welcome development and a lesson to all in uprightness, dedication, and fidelity, among other principles, after he was absolved by numerous panels.