The Lagos State Building Control Agency has commenced the removal of a five-floor structure located at 7, BreadFruit Street, Lagos Island.
The General Manager, LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, said the agency embarked on the demolition exercise as part of its effort to reduce the rate of illegal construction in the state and curb the menace of building collapse.
According to a statement by the agency on Monday, Oki added that the building is being demolished to avert any imminent danger to public safety.
He added that the owner of the building did not obtain any approval from LASBCA, “which is contrary to the provisions of the law guiding construction works in every part of the state.”
He stated further that several warnings and notices served on the developer to stop work proved abortive, “hence the agency had no option but to demolish the structure.”
He also said that although there was a record of a request for a development permit submitted by the developer of the building to the state government, the structure could not get approval as it was erected on government land under the supervision of the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency.
While assuring residents of the state that the government will ensure that all new buildings in the state are certified fit for habitation by LASBCA, Oki appealed to owners and developers to always build according to the state’s building codes.