5th September, 2011
The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA), has once again called for the immediate demolition of buildings marked for demolition around the State.
The General Manager/CEO of the agency (LASEMA), Dr. Oluwafemi Oke-Osanyintolu, who made this disclosure, also stressed that demolishing such structures would help save lives within the State.
The LASEMA boss said that the agency was working with relevant stakeholders to seek demolition of the buildings as they will continue to pose danger to lives and properties.
He recalled that the recent collapsed building located at 1 Shogbemi Street, off Oroyinyin Street in Lagos Island Local Government Area of the state, was due to poor maintenance, ageing and structural defect.
He added that the owner of the building claimed to have issued quit notices to the occupants about three years ago in order to renovate the dilapidated building which had earlier been marked for demolition by the Lagos State Physical Planning Development Agency (LASPPDA).
Osanyintolu revealed that the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency Disaster Intervention personnel were immediately on ground to coordinate the rescue operation and therefore advised Lagosians to immediately vacate any building marked for demolition by relevant government agencies to prevent loss of lives and properties.
He also advised owners of structures earmarked for demolition to seek approval to get them demolished immediately.