By Modupe Gbadeyanka
Owners of illegal event centres in Lagos State have been advised to quickly bring down the structures before the state government does so for them.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr Wasiu Anifowose gave this warning on Tuesday at the 2017 Ministerial Press briefing in Alausa as part of activities marking the second-year anniversary of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s administration.
He also warned owners of structures under high tension cables to relocate in their best interest as government would spare no effort in removing such illegal structures.
“When this government came on board, what we did was that we set up a committee and they are going round the state to take inventory of event centres.
“I like to state categorically that any development that does not comply with the master plan of the area of location will be removed.
“So, our agency is already working on it and they should be able to give us report in the next three to four weeks,” he said.
Speaking on activities of the Ministry in the last one year, Mr Anifowose said due to proactive steps and reforms initiated, the state government has achieved considerable reduction in building collapse.
He, however, reiterated that it is still an offence in the State for any physical developments including renovation, fencing and demolition to be embarked upon without approval.
“I must urge all Lagosians to partner with the state government in reporting illegal developments and developers or owners of buildings who cut corners and use substandard materials in construction work.
“Furthermore, it is considered a necessity that prospective buyers or tenants should demand to see the Planning Permit or Layout Approval of a building or Estate respectively before down payments are made, to deter developers or owners from circumventing the law,” Mr Anifowose said.
He said that efforts are also ongoing to relocate traders in Computer Village, Ikeja to Katangwa in Agbado/Oke-Odo and convert the area into a world-class ICT Park, as well as Mile 12 Market to Imota and Okobaba Sawmill to Agbowa.
