THE Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has earmarked more than 10 structures for demolition in Lagos State as part of its ongoing efforts to rid Lagos State of distressed buildings.
This information was disclosed in a statement issued by LASBCA’s Head of Public Affairs, Mr Adetayo Asagba, who said, “the buildings were marked for being structurally distressed and unsafe for habitation.”
The development came on the heels of the demolition of a distressed building located at 47 Jebba Street, Ebute-Metta, Lagos.
The General Manager, LASBCA, Mr Gbolahan Oki, who spoke during the enforcement exercise, commended the efforts of the community leaders, youths, and residents of the area for cooperating with the enforcement agents of the agency.
Other buildings marked for demolition before the end of the week by LASBCA are located at 37 Coates Street; 3, Ondo Street; 14 Ondo Street; 16 Church Street; 13, Ibadan Street; 3 Simpson Street; 35 Jebba Stree; 11 Jeba Street; and 19 Ibadan Street.
The LASBCA boss explained that the exercise was a proactive step by the agency to prevent the loss of lives and property due to avoidable building collapses.
He said that the move had become imperative to rid the state of inhabitable structures, promote standards, and attain a livable, organised, and sustainable environment.
“We urge the people to recognise the urgency in this matter as we cannot afford to wait for another building to collapse; because every distressed building is a disaster in waiting.
“Occupants of distressed buildings will keep asking for more time before they vacate but the truth is that we cannot afford to wait in the matter of life and death,” he said.
Oki said the agency would no longer tolerate excuses by occupants of distressed buildings, who often cited emotional attachments as putative reasons for not being willing to vacate the distressed structures.
He called on owners and occupiers of distressed buildings within the state to vacate immediately, particularly during the rainy season which is associated with more cases of building collapse.
