21st November, 2013
The Lagos State Government has banned blockmakers from moulding blocks without obtaining the necessary permit, as it moves to checkmate incidents of collapsed building in the state.
The government identified poor method of moulding of blocks as one of the reasons responsible for the collapse of buildings in the state, adding that it would begin enforcement on block moulders who do not obtain permit before doing so.
The Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Ade Ipaye, who spoke in Lagos, western Nigeria said that the Building and Civil Engineering Materials Quality Control Laboratory established by the Building and Civil Engineering (Construction) Materials Quality Control Laboratory Law, 2006, is responsible for conducting integrity test where the integrity of a building is in doubt.
He said block makers must obtain certification from the Material Quality Control Laboratory before they could engage in block moulding.
Ipaye explained that the law specifically prohibited the production of blocks and allied products in Lagos State without first obtaining quality control test certificates from the Laboratory.
He stated that government was leaving nothing to chance to ensure that incidents of collapsed buildings were brought to a halt in the Lagos metropolis. He advised block makers to do the right thing by obtaining a permit from the state government before operation.
Ipaye further said government would soon begin the enforcement of the provisions of section 74 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2010, which states that, “any property or structure that collapses due to negligence on the part of the owner or developer, such property is to be forfeited to the State Government.”
He called on property owners, builders and developers to cooperate with the state government in order to eliminate incidents of collapsed buildings in the state by complying with the provisions of all applicable laws when involved in any construction.
The Attorney General revealed that the legislation in this regard included the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2010 and the Building and Civil Engineering (Construction) Materials Quality Control Laboratory, 2006.
The commissioner reiterated that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority established by Section 24 of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law was empowered to process and issue planning permits in the state, adding that the agency also has responsibilities for monitoring and ensuring compliance with the provisions of duly issued building approval.
“It is thus unacceptable for individuals, corporation or developers to commence building construction without first obtaining approval from the authority,” he warned.
Ipaye emphasised that the Lagos State Building Control Agency [LASBCA] had been empowered to remove illegal and non-conforming structures and also to identify and remove distressed buildings to avoid building collapse. The agency, according to him, is also charged with the responsibility of regulating and inspecting building works at every stage of construction.
—Kazeem Ugbodaga