LAGOS: Govt demolishes structures erected along Idimu power line

A JOINT team of Lagos State Building Control Agency, (LABSCA) and Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, (LASPPA) has demolished illegal  structures erected along high tension power line in Oladan market, LASU/Isheri Road in Idimu area of the State.

The demolition was said to have taken place on Thursday after several attempts from the state government, through relevant agencies, to dissuade owners of the affected structures from using the areas for commercial and other activities.

While speaking on the demolition exercise, the General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, decried the stubborn but suicidal disposition of owners of the affected structures in the area, saying that the property had already been served contravention and demolition notices about five years ago.

Oki stressed that  the buildings brought down by the officials of the State Government were considered a threat to the security of lives of residents of the area.

He advised the traders in the area on the need to be security conscious, and desist from putting their lives at risk while transacting businesses.Oki said, “Just as the State Government is concerned about the safety of all Lagosians, it is important that we also take the issue of personal safety very serious.”

He issued a final notice with seven-day ultimatum to the affected market owners to relocate their wares and goods, just as he also ordered that some other buildings erected on the Right of Ways in the area be sealed off.

Also speaking during the exercise, the General Manager of LASPPPA, Funmi Osifuye, said that the agency had embarked on the clean-up exercise across the state to address the flagrant disregard for government rules and stance on illegal development.

Osifuye said that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration would do anything to secure the lives and property of all Lagosians but wants every resident of the State to comply with the Master Plan for each of the divisions of the State in order to avoid haphazard building construction works.

The State’s Chief Resilience Officer, Dr. Folayinka Dania stated that from a resilience perspective, the occupied space by the illegal traders needs to be cleared.

He said, ”Whether we like it or not, as a driver of resilience, it is important that we protect our natural and man-made assets and safeguard our critical infrastructure.”

She added, “It is important that everyone knows that Lagos is a resilient city, we’ll continue to think around our infrastructure and environment to ensure that there’s always a” Lagos even for generations yet unborn.”