In an effort to enforce building regulations, the Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), has announced plans to seal construction sites that are not supervised by qualified professionals in the built environment.
Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of LASBCA, disclosed this initiative during the establishment of an ad hoc task force in his Ikeja office on Monday.
The state has expressed concern over the lack of involvement of qualified professionals in construction projects, prompting the directive that all property owners and developers in the state must engage relevant professionals like structural/civil, mechanical, and electrical engineers, as well as builders and architects.
LASBCA will conduct site visits and any construction site found violating the directive by not engaging experts will face closure and possible demolition.
Oki emphasized the importance of this directive in ensuring that buildings in the state are constructed by qualified professionals who can guarantee safety and compliance with habitation standards.
He underscored the necessity for developers and property owners to only hire certified professionals with valid practicing licenses and sworn affidavits attesting to their supervision of the building projects.
To prevent building collapses and unnecessary loss of lives, Oki urged residents of Lagos to adhere to building codes and regulations.
Earlier in July, the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency confirmed the tragic death of three construction workers following a building collapse at Arowojobe Estate in Maryland.
The Permanent Secretary of the agency, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, provided details of the incident at No 13, Wilson Mba Street, Arowojobe Estate, Maryland, Lagos, where the three male workers were fatally injured.