Lagos threatens to prosecute govt’s land encroachers

• Partners builders on block, clay operators database

THE Lagos State authorities have threatened to prosecute trespassers, who encroach on government land or violate building control laws.

The General Manager of the state’s Building Control Agency, Gbolahan Oki, said this during the removal and demolition of illegal constructions at Oluwole Urban Mall land in Lagos Island at the weekend.

Oki said government would not hesitate to remove structures built on government land and prosecute any person or group found culpable in erecting structures on such land henceforth.

Oki noted that no responsible government would fold its arms and watch some recalcitrant developers derail its master plan.

He stated that the demolition was part of its continuous post construction auditing of existing buildings and encroachment on government land in the State.

The General Manager stated that Oluwole Urban Mall is of historical importance to Lagos State, adding that the mall land belongs to the government and is being managed by the its state’s Property Development Corporation ( LSDPC). According to him, the demolition of the illegal construction by the agency in conjunction with the men of special governor’s monitoring team became necessary to ensure that building developments in the state, follow the approved layouts of the areas and due process. Oki reiterated that the government is working towards making Lagos city a well- planned and structured society, where building construction is in line with the state’s master plan and building Permits granted by the state’s Physical Planning Permit Authority ( LASPPPA).

EANWHILE, the Lagos State Materials Testing Laboratory ( LSMTL) plans to create a database on block and clay manufacturers. Speaking during a courtesy visit by the Nigerian Institute of Building ( NIOB), Lagos state chapter at the agency’s headquarters in Ojodu, the General Manager, Olufunsho Elulade, governor

Msaid

Babajide Sanwo- Olu, has declared zero tolerance to building collapse in the state, hence the need to capture everyone involved in manufacturing and production of construction materials.

He further stated that the synergy between NIOB and LSMTL is crucial and it is a welcome development.

Elulade urged builders to partner the agency towards eradication of substandard construction materials, which have flooded the state.

The incoming chairman, Lagos NIOB chapter, Lucky Isiname, congratulated the general manager on his appointment and expressed the chapter’s desire to collaborate with the agency.