26th November, 2015
Kazeem Ugbodaga
The Lagos State Government has vowed to enforce the Physical Planning and Urban Development law of the state to stem the tide of unwholesome practices in the building industry.
This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Tpl Wasiu Anifowoshe at a stakeholders’ meeting organized by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency(LASPPPA) in Ojo Area of Lagos State, Southwest Nigeria, with the theme: “Keying into the benefits of City Development for Urban Sustainability.”
He said the state government meant well for everybody and would want all intending to build houses in Lagos to obtain necessary building plan approval.
Anifowoshe admonished people to always build their structures in accordance with the approved building plans so as to avoid disorderliness and haphazard development in the communities, adding that Lagos State as a fast growing megacity was poised to ensure livable and sustainable environment through constructive engagement of all stakeholders.
The Commissioner, while addressing issues raised by the stakeholders, particularly, the process of obtaining building plan approval stated that the State Government had opened Physical Planning Permit offices in all the Local Governments.
He advised the people to go to the office with all the requirements for the processing their building plans application, assuring them that plans would be approved without wasting time with the submission
of necessary documents.
Responding to the issue raised by the market Leader in the area on the markets removed to pave the way for the expansion of Badagry Express road, he appealed to the market association to be patient with the government, saying that removal of such markets was for the good of all as their socio-economic life would improve, while their property would attract more value and transportation becoming easy and affordable.
He stated that generation yet unborn would benefit from the road project, while advising the Market Associations on the Lagos –Badagry road project corridor to desist from building on the already delivered right-of-way of the road as this might impede the progress of the construction work.
On complaint by the Bricklayers’ Association on low patronage and preference of foreign Artisans to their Nigerian counterpart, Anifowose said the building industry is very competitive and that for the bricklayers to occupy their right position in the industry, they have to upscale their skills and register under a builder, adding that the best person would always get the job as nobody would patronize anybody whose competence was in doubt.
General Manager, Physical Planning Permit Authority Tpl. Toyin Abdul, said the essence of the meeting was to deliberate on physical planning and development issues with a view of obtaining feedback from the stakeholders through interactive session.
He said the sporadic urban growth in Ojo area had necessitated the preparation of Development Guides and the expansion of Lagos –Badagry Express way as well as production of Badagry master plan which has spelt out some key projects such as health facilities, up-grading of schools, waterfront development to mention a few.
At the interactive session, Directors from the various Departments took turn to enlighten the gathering on the activities of their departments and the process of obtaining necessary approvals and permits.
The Building Materials Testing Laboratory Agency was also at hand to sensitize the people on activities it also stressed the need for people to subject the building materials to testing so as to ensure of the quality of materials being used for construction. This according to him would stem the incidence of building collapse.