Against the backdrop of the shocking incident of a collapsed building in Lagos, the state Governor, Babajide Sanwo Olu has disclosed he has instructed the arrest of contractors and construction workers of a Seven-story building that collapsed on Sunday.
This was made known by the Spokesperson of the Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Mukaila Sanusi the collapsed structure which was under construction was situated at Oba Abiodun Oniru road, Iru/Victoria Island area.
Dr. Idsir, the Ministry’s Commissioner during his inspection of the site ordered the contractors affiliated with the collapsed structure.
According to Salako, the developer and other professionals were responsible for the devastation since they disregarded the state’s planning regulations.
This, in his opinion, involves initiating construction without legal planning permission and defying official directives to cease their activities.
He stressed that, ‘No one should ever misinterpret the submission of a permit application through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority as a green light to begin building.
He said: ‘There must be a valid planning permit from the aforementioned agency in addition to letter of authorization and stage inspection at every stage and certification by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).’
‘This will ensure that construction works are carried out in conformity with the approval granted’.
Meanwhile, the commissioner disclosed that the Policemen, following the arrest order had initiated investigations and search of individuals linked to the building project amongst which are developers, architects, builders, and engineers – they are believed to be the main cause of the collapse.
He voiced concern over the growing violations for law and order by entities in the construction industry and added that the administration was committed to bringing order and sanity back to sector.
Additionally, he mentioned that cases of building collapse were now unacceptable according to the state authorities.
Salako encouraged dwellers of lagos state to collaborate the government to ensure alertness through the prompt report of unlawful activities in the neighborhood.
He continued by saying that individuals should report any noticeable violations to Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development APP and LASBCA or other relevant ministry or state government communication media.