Following the tragic collapse of a building in Ojodu-Berger, Lagos, built environment professionals have urged the Lagos State government to implement stringent regulatory reforms and embrace technological innovation to curb the menace of building failures.
The experts called for the strengthening of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), stressing the need for improved staffing, advanced training, and sufficient resources to ensure effective inspections and enforcement.
They also underscored the importance of anti-corruption measures within the agency to guarantee unbiased implementation of regulations. According to them, incentives, such as tax breaks or expedited permit processing for developers with a proven compliance record, were also recommended.
They also urged professional bodies, including the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and the Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA), to tighten ethical standards and disciplinary processes for members found complicit in substandard construction practices.
These bodies, the experts added, must take a more active role in educating the public on the importance of engaging certified professionals. Business Development Manager at Shalom Park Estate, Oluwatobi Ariremako, who spoke during a media briefing yesterday, said the persistent collapse of buildings in Lagos is indicative of poor regulatory enforcement and disregard for existing codes and using substandard materials,” Ariremako said.
RELATEDLY, the Lagos State government has revealed that in the last six years, the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) received a total of 57,347 applications for planning permits but granted 37,266 approvals within the same period.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Olayinka Olumide, stated this yesterday, during the ongoing media briefing to mark the second year and second term of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu in office.
Olumide also said that LASPPPA surpassed its pre-amnesty window record of 2,201 approvals by 6,655 as it granted a total of 8,856 approvals between May and December 2024, while the Amnesty window was on.
The commissioner, who was excited at the success of the amnesty programme, designed to allow owners and developers of existing buildings without approvals regularise their property, said that the Sanwo-Olu’s administration had successfully encouraged more property owners to regularise their buildings as application and approval rate swelled during the amnesty window that lasted for 180 days.
In a remark, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, commended journalists for showing professionalism in reporting the ministry’s activities.
SOURCE: GUARDIAN NEWSPAPER
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