…advocates total compliance with Laws guiding physical development
In furtherance of its Mandate to ensure that all buildings in Lagos State are designed, constructed and fit for habitation, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), on Thursday, embarked on a state-wide campaign on building regulations and control across the entire State.
The aim of the road show, according to the General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, was to sensitise Lagos residents on the need to build in accordance with stipulated laws in order to prevent building collapse and avoidable loss of lives in the State.
He stated that the exercise which holds simultaneously across all the 20 Local Government Areas of the State was organised to sensitise Lagosians on what is required of them before the commencement of building as well as the necessary approvals needed.
Speaking on the theme of the sensitization exercise: “Compliance to Building Regulations – An Antidote to Building Collapse”, Oki pleaded with Lagosins to embrace wilful compliance with all laws guiding building construction.
He added that complying with building codes is cheaper than disregarding building and physical planning laws that puts property owners at the risk of losing their lives and properties when such buildings collapse.
Oki urged Lagos residents to consult building professionals, obtain a development permit and make use of quality materials for construction works, saying that this would curb incessant building collapse in the State.
The General Manager explained further that sealing off buildings or demolishing structures are usually the last options the state government wants to explore, assuring that there would be no need for sealing buildings or pulling structures down if residents embrace wilful compliance and follow all laid down rules and regulations.
Speaking at his Palace in Ikorodu, the Adegboruwa of Igbogbo kingdom, HRM Oba Abdul Semiu Orimadegun Kasali, lauded the concept of bringing the awareness campaign closer to the grassroots, adding that the rally would go a long way in educating the residents on building regulations and their application.
Oba Adegboruwa emphasised the need for effective synergy between all relevant stakeholders, advising the State Government to conduct more sensitisation campaign that would enable people to distinguish between the services of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), stressing that there seems to be misconceptions about the roles of the two agencies.
He suggested that the State Government should develop a template that explicitly explains the responsibilities of each concerned agency and their roles in building regulations.
The traditional ruler promised to get the template printed in banner format and erect it in the palace for everyone to see, enabling them to acquire more knowledge on building regulations and control.
The Chief Whip of the Professional Carpenter and Furniture Association, Ikorodu Branch, Mr. Ajagunna Olusoji Dada commended the State Government and the Management of LASBCA for organising the programme, stating that it would reduce building collapse in the State.
Other places visited by the campaign team include Mushin, Oshodi, Isolo, Amuwo Odofin, Eti Osa, Ibeju Lekki, Epe, Lagos Island, Alimosho, Ojokoro, Ikeja, Badary, Ojo, Iba, Yaba and Kosofe areas of the State.