The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has initiated a demolition process targeting makeshift structures, shanties, and illegally developed buildings within the Otu-Mara community, located in the Mainland Local Government Area of Lagos State. This action, according to LASBCA General Manager, Gbolahan Oki, is aimed at restoring sanity to the built environment and mitigating the security risks posed by these structures. Oki emphasized that proper procedures were followed before marking the structures for demolition, including the issuance of various notices, such as convention and quit notices, to all affected occupants. The decision underscores the government’s commitment to enforcing building codes and regulations for the safety and sustainable development of the state.
The proliferation of shanties and illegal structures in Otu-Mara has created a breeding ground for criminal activities, posing a significant threat to the security of the area and its surrounding communities. These structures often serve as hideouts for miscreants, facilitating illicit operations that endanger the lives and properties of residents. The LASBCA’s intervention is, therefore, a crucial step in addressing this security challenge and ensuring the safety of the community. By removing these structures, the government aims to disrupt the operational base of criminal elements and create a more secure environment for residents.
Beyond security concerns, the structural integrity of these buildings poses a significant risk. Many of the targeted structures are in a state of disrepair, increasing the likelihood of collapse and potential loss of life and property. This precarious situation necessitates prompt action to avert potential disasters. The LASBCA’s intervention aligns with the government’s responsibility to protect the lives and properties of its citizens. By proactively addressing the structural deficiencies of these buildings, the agency aims to prevent potential tragedies and ensure the safety of the community.
The Lagos State Government’s commitment to enforcing building codes and regulations is central to its urban development strategy. This commitment is reflected in the LASBCA’s rigorous monitoring and enforcement activities, which aim to ensure strict adherence to building regulations by property owners and developers. This proactive approach to building control is vital for promoting sustainable urban development, ensuring the safety of residents, and maintaining the aesthetic quality of the built environment. The demolition of illegal structures in Otu-Mara underscores the government’s resolve to maintain order and promote responsible development practices.
The LASBCA has urged all affected occupants to comply with the demolition order and vacate the marked structures within the stipulated timeframe. This appeal for cooperation underscores the agency’s desire to carry out the demolition exercise in a humane and orderly manner. While the government recognizes the need for decisive action to address the security and safety concerns posed by these structures, it also emphasizes the importance of respecting the rights and well-being of the affected occupants. The provided timeframe allows residents to make alternative arrangements and minimize the disruption caused by the demolition process.
The demolition of illegal structures in Otu-Mara represents a significant step towards restoring sanity to the built environment and ensuring the safety and security of the community. The LASBCA’s actions are consistent with the government’s broader commitment to enforcing building codes and regulations, promoting sustainable urban development, and protecting the lives and properties of its citizens. The agency’s emphasis on due process and its appeal for cooperation from affected occupants reflect its commitment to carrying out its mandate in a responsible and humane manner. The demolition exercise is a vital step toward mitigating the risks posed by these structures and creating a safer, more secure environment for the residents of Otu-Mara.
