LASBCA warns owners of dilapidated buildings to begin demolition or face consequences
Building control authorities in Lagos have warned owners of dilapidated buildings to carry out demolition of marked properties or risk the consequences.
LASBCA boss, Olalekan Shodeinde, said on Monday that owners of marked buildings who refuse to demolish them would pay the cost if the agency is forced to carry out the demolition.
Shodeinde, according to NAN, said after the seven-day ultimatum, the agency would begin the demolitions. Any affected owner would then be required to pay the demolition cost to the state government within 90 days, failure of which the government would confiscate the land.
He added that the government was determined to enforce the law to ensure better physical environment for sustainable development.
“In pursuit for zero tolerance for building collapse, the state government has given owners of distressed buildings seven days’ grace to demolish the buildings or bear the risk of their demolition by the agency,” he said.
“People have shown disregard for laws on building construction in the past, and the resultant effects are worrisome.
“Sustainable physical development requires the participation of all residents, whose interests are affected and cooperation necessary for successful implementation of laws and regulations.”
Shodeinde added that partially-collapsed building would be demolished soon to prevent loss of lives and property.
“Many distressed buildings in the state are disasters waiting to happen, but the agency is committed to preventing them by pulling the buildings down to avoid collapse that could cause more damage,” he said.
