The Nation Newspaper

Category: Building & Properties

  • LAWMA raises alarm over Apapa ‘degeneration’

    Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA) has raised the alarm over what it called the continuous degeneration of quality of life through collapse of public hygiene and waste management services in the Apapa area.

    In a statement made available to The Nation, the agency said the deplorable condition of the environment at Apapa occasioned by the inaccessibility of the roads for LAWMA vehicles in the area, had become a source of worry for the organisation.”

    LAWMA said in recent times, it has intensified efforts to rid the state of backlog of wastes, which are known to have defaced the environment, saying it has deployed trucks across the state to stem the tide of indiscriminate dumping of refuse, as well as engaged the Private Sector Participation (PSP) operators to tackle wastes at household level,”he stated.

    The statement stated that efforts by the Authority to extend its services to Apapa are being hampered by articulated trucks, which had made the road impassable for LAWMA and PSP operators.

    “Our findings showed a general degradation of the environment in the area and a looming epidemic, if the situation is not quickly addressed. Owing to this situation, LAWMA sweepers cannot work efficiently there; people bathe and defecate on the road, thus wearing out the asphalt. The roads have also been turned into mechanic workshops where major repairs of heavy trucks are carried out, spilling engine oil and diesel on same road.

    Read also: Firm renovates 21 classrooms in Apapa

    “To avert the outbreak of epidemy in the area, there is need for the authorities concerned to clear Apapa for smooth operation by our operatives. Residents are thus called upon to support LAWMA in this effort to save this crucial part of the state from the continuous degradation,” the statement read.

    LAWMA appealed to the authorities in Apapa to take urgent steps to address this critical issue for the sake of the environment and people who do their businesses there, adding that the agency’s goal is to achieve a cleaner and healthier Lagos.

  • Building collapse: Architects, engineers, builders blame govt

    The Ita-Faji, Lagos Island building collapse has, once again, brought to the fore the frequency of the problem nation-wide. Concerned citizens are pointing fingers at developers for shoddy construction by adding floors to existing buildings and compromising their integrity. The government, some professionals claim, are culpable because of poor or lack of regulation. OKWY IROEGBU-CHIKEZIE seeks stakeholders’views.

    The unfortunate building collapse, which occurred last week on Lagos Island, has raised a lot of concerns. The ill-fated three-storey structure with a pent house, housing Ohen Nursery and Primary School, collapsed at about 10am, leaving many pupils and a few adults dead. Its owner was, however,  rescued alive with other members of his family. The building, it was learnt, got renovated and managed by a developer who has a 10-year lease, which started in 2010.

    The Nation gathered that most of the buildings in the area were already marked for structural audit/demolition, and the collapsed  building, approved for residential purpose, but used for commercial purposes, was one of those marked.

    Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA), Lagos Chapter Chairman,  Fitzgerald Umah, said the lack of resolve by the government to stem this tide of carnage, has clearly shown that bureaucracy and the need to accommodate certain interests are counterproductive, adding that the building had been reportedly marked for demolition before the incident.

    He said the Lagos chapter of NIA had canvassed the option of assisting the relevant authorities and agencies at all levels on the repeated intention of government to sanitise the unwholesome built environment and monitor buildings under construction for both compliance with statutory requirements, design suitability and structural stability.

    He wondered why it has been difficult and seemingly impossible to implement the laws and proffered solutions spanning over a decade with the ratification of the National Building Code, which ratified the minimum standard for the construction Industry.

    Fitzgerald called on Lagos State government to, without delay,  genuinely start full implementation of the law and solutions proffered by the relevant professionals several years ago. None implementation and enforcement of these laws have made abuse and flouting of the laws possible.

    Nigeria Institute of Building (NIOB) 1st Vice President,  Mr. Kunle Awobodu in a chat with The Nation maintained that many buildings on Lagos lsland are sick as they were not professionally designed or built. According to him, they are constructed by developers who are business men with little knowledge about the complexities associated with construction.

    To him, the collapse could have been prevented if government and the regulatory agencies had taken their duties seriously. He stressed that buildings handled by developers can never meet stipulated standards in the construction sector as their motive is driven by profit.

    On what may have caused the collapse, the NIOB boss said unfortunately there are too many interests over the small portion of land on the lsland. Most buildings of the Island, he said, have inadequate air space, are too close to each other and have too many family members interested in them for pecuniary gains.

    He said: “Unfortunately most developers do not understand the complexities in the building process. They are mostly driven  by profit with total disregard to regulatory provisions and human lives. The regulatory agencies need to double their efforts to investigate buildings under construction and those already constructed, to ensure that they are built according to laid down regulations. From our studies we have over 1,000 buildings unfit for human habitation on Lagos lsland.”

    The Nigeria Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE), Lagos State chapter has also asked regulatory authorities in the Built-Environment to implement stricter regulatory authority to sanitise the sector. They urged the government to do more to ensure that regulatory authorities are empowered to discharge their duties, punish infractions and sanitise the sector.

    NICE Chairman, Lagos branch, Mrs Lola Adetona, has absolved engineers of culpability in the spate of building collapse in Lagos. She, however, blamed quacks who venture into construction without any requisite knowledge of the complexities in the sector. In a session with The Nation in Lagos, she maintained that a quack would never know the right mix ratio and aggregates of concrete and sand. She said she said she would not be able to supervise a construction site effectively and should therefore, not be allowed under any condition to superintend such process.

    She lamented that quacks had taken over the jobs of professionals as some would-be clients prefer to deal with them, citing cost implications.

    Commenting on the building that collapsed, she wondered how a school could have been allowed to operate in that building and in such an environment. She also wondering how the necessary approvals from the relevant government ministries and agencies were got.

    Adetona revealed that from investigations the building was originally a residential and wondered how it was allowed to accommodate a school and other businesses. She noted that there is a wide difference between a residential building and a commercial one in terms of  design and load.

    “The load design for residential buildings are different from commercial buildings and if the order is changed without the necessary adjustment the result will turn out ugly as we are witnessing now. To check incessant building collapse the government, the professionals and the public should synergise by sharing information and ensuring proper regulation and implementation of available laws,”she said.

    NICE National Vice Chairman,   Tokunbo Ajanaku, said building collapse can occur due to several reasons, which include the age of the building, if not maintained as every building is constructed to last 50 years. He encouraged stakeholders’ collaboration to ensure that there is no repeat of the ugly incident.

    He also asked the government to strengthen the existing agencies and ensure strict adherence to building code and construction standards,  urging the public to consciously be part of the vanguard to sanitise the sector by complaining to relevant agencies and professional bodies when they believe something is wrong with a particular construction.

    He said: “If you see a construction going on with defects report to us and we will report to the government and ensure that necessary sanctions are given out when there is default. The regulatory bodies need to ensure that what they approved is what is constructed. For instance, a building approved as residential should not be converted without changing the dynamics. Once you introduce none designed load to a building such as a dead load like generator or any of such that was not envisaged in the original drawing you are looking for trouble. There should be proper appraisal and retrofitting if you convert the use of building.”

  • Firm unveils co-working space for entrepreneurs

    NIKOY Nigeria Limited has inaugurated two new subsidiaries. They are Work Hive Co-Work and Ace Wash N Dry Laundromat, including a co-working space for entrepreneurs.

    Its Chairman, Olawale Oyedele, who disclosed this at the inauguration of the subsidiaries, said the new additions were part of the effort to diversify the company’s portfolio and help millenials in need of smart work space.

    Oyedele said: “As a fallout of globalisation, Nigerian millennials are in dire need of technological-driven office space at reduced cost. Our corporate innovativeness has, therefore, brought about the decision to float Work Hive

    “Characterised by the availability of all relevant facilities, including steady Internet access, the newly opened co-working space, Work Hive, is cost effective and flexible in payment tenure. It will also increase productivity, boost networking opportunities, create access to new clients and enhance businesses to grow faster.”

    He said Laundromat would also embrace an advanced dry cleaning method being used in developed economies. “This business focuses on the imperative of modern-day technology, which is the love of our millennial teeming population. The self service business of dry cleaning, which can be done at the shortest possible space of time and at affordable cost, is gradually emerging in Nigeria,” he said

    A former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor Dr Joseph Sanusi who was at the inuaguration, said the two new businesses  had been established on the pillars of integrity, skills value and determination to sustain quality services at affordable prices for everyone.

    Sanusi urged the Federal Government to put incentives in place to encourage entrepreneurs to establish companies and create employment to boost the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

    “Apart from the provision of infrastructure, incentives, such as tax holiday, for about three years and the government’s patronage of the companies’ products and services will go a long way in encouraging our millennial entrepreneurs to actualise their vision and natural talent for productive ventures,” he added.

    Stanbic IBTC Bank Executive Director Wole Adeniyi commended NIKOY management for diversifying its portfolio into laundromat and co-working space services.

    “We’re here to appreciate the growth and diversification of our partner, NIKOY, to two new subsidiaries. Having banked a customer for over two decades, the relationship has cascaded from that of a customer to a partner. It’s not just another business, but this is about creating more opportunities, jobs, investment chain and other deliverables,” he stated.

    Chairman, Olusegun Osunkeye and Associates, Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, said NIKOY had taken a bold initiative with the new subsidiaries. “It takes a lot of courage to set up new business in Nigeria due to the many aggravations and frustrations involved,” he added

    Osunkeye urged the government to create a better business environment by reviving the country’s decaying infrastructure.

    To Ace Wash N Dry Laundromat and Work Hive Managing Director, Ms Mojisola Oyedele, the inspiration to start the business came from some of her frustrations in getting laundry done by professionals, as well as the high cost and the longer time it took to get the actual work delivered.

    She said she targets those from 25  to 40, who have great ideas but may not have the cash back up, adding that with N1,500 one could dry clean about 25 clothes.

    On the work place space, she said  arrangement had been made for people to come in and do their work for seven days, weekends, a month or a year.

  • Building collapse: Oyetola orders integrity test on houses

    Osun State governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, has ordered that integrity test be carried out on old and weak houses across the state.

    According to the Supervisor for Works, Engr. Remi Omowaiye, the  governor gave the order that the test be carried out to prevent building collapse in the state.

    In a statement on Sunday, Omowaiye said the directive was a necessary proactive measure following last week’s collapse of buildings in Lagos and Ibadan.

    He said the governor wanted the integrity test to be carried out immediately because “the state does not want the collapse of any building.”

    Omowaiye said relevant agencies and facilities in the state would be mobilized to ensure that what is necessary is done.

    He enjoined members of the public to report to the authorities any observation they have on any building that is believed to be weak so that immediate action will be taken.

    Also, Omowaiye disclosed that the governor has also directed the Ministry of the Environment to ensure that drains are cleared to prevent flooding as rainfall sets in.

    He said the Ministries of Works, Environment, Land and Urban development would work together to take preemptive action against building collapse in the state.

    He said: “We don’t want what happened last week in Lagos and Oyo states to happen here. That is why we are being proactive as directed by Mr. governor.”

  • Lagos to developers: Failure to demolish defective structures ‘ll lead to forfeiture

    The Lagos State Government has advised house owners and developers whose structures have been marked for demolition to remove them forthwith failing which they risk the forfeiture of the properties.

    While commiserating with the families of the deceased following the collapse of the building at Ita- faji, the Honourable Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Prince Rotimi Ogunleye called for the co-operation of members of the public in ridding the state of distressed structures.

    Speaking at the weekend, Ogunleye pointed out that the Ministry had identified 149 distressed and defective buildings in different parts of the State of which 40 had been demolished in the first phase, adding that 38 others were slated for the second phase prior to last week’s unfortunate incident.

    “In some instances where the owners and occupiers have been duly served with statutory notices and evacuated, people secretly return to re-occupy the buildings despite the sealing of the structures by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA)”.

    The Honourable Commissioner said LASBCA would step up the ongoing removal of the affected buildings, adding that all parts of the State would be reached.

    He warned that the State would invoke Section 74 of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law on forfeiture against any owner or developer whose negligence leads to building collapse.

    He said at the weekend that the Ministry held meetings with various Ministries, Departments and Agencies to embark on a holistic response to the present and future challenges posed by illegal developments and siting of unapproved schools.

    In attendance were the Lagos State Safety Commission, Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA), Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL), State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) and officials of the Ministry of Education.

  • Uk firm, Odu’a Investment to deliver Westlink Iconic Estate

    Odu’a Investment Company Limited (OICL) has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with United Kingdom (UK)-based Messrs Iconic City Limited for estate development.

    The project, a residential housing estate, will be sited on Odu’a 3.8hectares opposite Nigeria Breweries, Alakia, Ibadan, Oyo State.

    The signing, which held at the Cocoa House, Ibadan, was witnessed by Odu’a management team, led by the Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Adewale Raji, the management of Iconic City Limited and its local subsidiary, Chapter Four Estate Management Limited (CFEML), led by the CEO, Mr Shamsideen Ogunmuyiwa.

    The proposed estate, Westlink Iconic Estate, is a medium density luxury estate consisting of 124 units  with various housing types to allow for market segmentation subscribers.

    There are: 60 units of three-bedroom apartments, 42 units of four-bedroom terrace houses, 14units of five-bedroom semi-detached duplexes, eight units of six-bedroom fully detached duplexes and 36 commercial/business units.

    The initiative, according to the investors, is hinged on the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP), which has human capital development as one of its main objectives. They added that housing provision was key to achieving that goal.

    “Housing deficit in the country is over 22 million, if not more, and investment in housing remains a worthwhile and profitable venture especially when affordability is considered.

    “Odu’a Investment Company has identified partnerships as a veritable strategy to add tremendous value to her existing property portfolio, earn remarkable return, strengthen her brand image and increase her socio-economic footprint for the benefit of its shareholders and stakeholders,”, Raji said.

    The estate, which is scheduled for completion in 30 months, will boast of modern state-of-the-art features, which include roads paved with interlocking stones, 24- hour electricity supply, street lights, greens lawns and decorative trees, treated pipe borne water, underground cable, waste disposal, security – CCTV – and manned entrance gate, dedicated 4G optic fibre internet, expansive family recreational facilities, swimming pool, gym, community leisure centre and modern commercial centre for small businesses required to serve the estate’s need.

    Raji described the N3.5billion joint venture investment as another landmark initiative to unlock value from the passive property portfolio of the Group and bring on board a new dimension in structured and luxurious community living in Ibadan.

    “This is in line with the vision of the Board and Management of the company to live the mandate of our shareholders to be the engine room of the economic development of the West,’’ he said.

    Ogunmuyiwa said it is a privilege for the company “to strike this wonderful partnership with the evergreen business conglomerate owned by the western states of Nigeria, that affords us the opportunity to utilise our professional experience from training, working and living in the United Kingdom (UK), to build a world-class mixed luxury residential Westlink-Iconic Estate in Ibadan.

    ‘’The designs and model types are exquisite and the finishing inviting and affordable’’.

    Iconic City Limited and Chapter Four Estate Management Limited have a track record in housing finance, development and management, modern city planning, project management and business analysis.

    They are responsible for the design and construction of the estate.

  • Prioritise mass housing development, Buhari told

    Some operators in the housing and construction industry have urged President Muhammadu Buhari to take housing, especially mass housing, serious.

    The experts told select reporters in Lagos that the President had not done much in reducing the housing deficit, despite his other achievements.

    Former Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners (NITP), Markinde Ogunleye, suggested that Buhari should constitute a high-powered committee to look into the problem bedeviling the sector and fashion a road map.

    Admitting that the government had set up a committee on housing, Ogunleye added that it could be fused into the new one if it comes on stream.

    He advised that the committee should comprise professionals.

    Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Building (NIOB), Lagos Chapter Mr Adelaja Adekanmbi,  called for a review of the Federal Government housing policy.

    Adekanmbi urged Buhari to remember his campaign promise to make housing affordable, noting that his administration did not do much in the period under review in that direction.

    He noted that the deficit in the housing sector was worrisome, adding that the government should address the matter quickly.

    He said: “President Buhari should without any further delay take a drastic action in the provision of mass housing for Nigerians who are in dire need of low-cost houses.’’

    Former Chairman, Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS),  Mr Olayinka Omotosho, urged the government to allow more private developers to be involved in the housing sector.

    According to him, there are thousands of houses in major cities that are not affordable to many Nigerians because the houses were built by profit-oriented private investors.

    He canvassed the need for the government to provide an enabling environment for private operators.

  • National Park Service to establish marine park in Bayelsa

    The  National Park Service is to build a marine park in Bayelsa State, its Conservator-General, Alhaji Ibrahim Goni has said.

    Goni stated this in Abuja as the country joined the world to commemorate the World Wildlife Day, which is celebrated on March 3 yearly. It theme  was: “Life below water: For people and planet’’.

    He explained that marine parks were protected areas of sea, oceans, estuaries or large lakes where human activities are restricted.

    He observed that it’s not only human activities in the marine environment that affect life in the sea but also the things we do on land. He said the marine park will ensure that oceans and marine species are preserved and protected.

    Goni, however, said marine pollution remained a major problem that threatens life in the sea at all levels.

    According to him, the oceans  were used as dumping ground for for waste, including sewage, industrial run-off and chemicals.

    On pollution, he said it ranges from oil spills to pollutants from the communities which flow to the sea through flood during raining seasons.

    He said: “All marine pollutions have the potential to seriously damage marine habitats and life in the sea,’’ he said.

    He said the service was working hard to meet its targets for SDG 14 on oceans to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

    He said the service was working with stakeholders to conserve wildlife across the country.

    According  to him there are thousands of wildlife species internationally traded and used by people in their daily lives for food, health care, housing, tourist souvenirs, cosmetics or fashion.’

    He, however, assured that with proper partnership, the survival of wildlife and their benefits for the livelihoods, health and environment would be ensured.

    On the way forward, he explained that he has entered into collaboration through MOU with various government and NGOs toward getting technical, financial, and scientific assistance.

  • National Park Service to establish marine park in Bayelsa

    The  National Park Service is to build a marine park in Bayelsa State, its Conservator-General, Alhaji Ibrahim Goni has said.

    Goni stated this in Abuja as the country joined the world to commemorate the World Wildlife Day, which is celebrated on March 3 yearly. It theme  was: “Life below water: For people and planet’’.

    He explained that marine parks were protected areas of sea, oceans, estuaries or large lakes where human activities are restricted.

    He observed that it’s not only human activities in the marine environment that affect life in the sea but also the things we do on land. He said the marine park will ensure that oceans and marine species are preserved and protected.

    Goni, however, said marine pollution remained a major problem that threatens life in the sea at all levels.

    According to him, the oceans  were used as dumping ground for for waste, including sewage, industrial run-off and chemicals.

    On pollution, he said it ranges from oil spills to pollutants from the communities which flow to the sea through flood during raining seasons.

    He said: “All marine pollutions have the potential to seriously damage marine habitats and life in the sea,’’ he said.

    He said the service was working hard to meet its targets for SDG 14 on oceans to conserve and sustainably use the oceans, seas and marine resources for sustainable development.

    He said the service was working with stakeholders to conserve wildlife across the country.

    According  to him there are thousands of wildlife species internationally traded and used by people in their daily lives for food, health care, housing, tourist souvenirs, cosmetics or fashion.’

    He, however, assured that with proper partnership, the survival of wildlife and their benefits for the livelihoods, health and environment would be ensured.

    On the way forward, he explained that he has entered into collaboration through MOU with various government and NGOs toward getting technical, financial, and scientific assistance.

  • ‘Provide enabling environment for recycling firms’

    THE Government has been urged to provide an enabling environment for recycling companies.

    The Executive Director of Lexsz Plastics, a recycling firm, Oba Olufemi Akowe, made the call at its office on the Lagos/Ibadan Expressway.

    He said the $8 million firm, if supported, could feed not only its parent company in China but also the West African sub-region.

    At a parley with The Nation, Akowe said since the company’s inception in 2011, it has empowered many individuals who supply materials to feed its factory.

    “We rely on individuals who go round the cities and towns picking wastes and  later sell to us. We also help the governments in some South West states to clear the state dump sites and even pay their agencies.

    “With four production lines refining and processing, Lexsz is a leader in the entire West Africa  and the largest plastics recycling enterprise. Our production scale of PET bottles and preforms per year amounted to over 100,000 tons to meet the major chemical Yangtze River Delta region of China class enterprise demand for a large number of raw materials,” he stated.

    Akowe said the company generates its electricity.

    “At Lexsz Plastics, the growth and development of the plastics is our concern. We are ready to invest in this market to become a market leader. There is nothing wrong in becoming the major market leader in this sector. We believe very strongly in the growth and development of the Nigerian economy and we are poised to take due advantage of the potential in this market,” he said.

    He said with over 10,000 local workers, the company’s products not only save a lot of energy and resources, but also effective for environmental protection areas, urging the government to provide a conducive business environment, especially on infrastructure, so that businesses can flourish and attract more foreign direct investments.

    Furthermore, he said the company was the first to achieve modern enterprises management, scientific management, and quality for its products.

    Akowe said: “In 2011, we passed the ISSO 9001 quality management system certification of advanced production equipment and sound management system. Our operations are powered by IPP initiative with gas turbine from the Nigeria Natural Petroleum Corporation (NNPC). As we play a leading role in the plastics sector, we will further continue to explore other potential areas of investments in the Nigeria economy.”

    He however lamented some inhibitive policies that are affecting recycling firms. He listed these as multiple taxation and the dearth of infrastructure.

    He asked the government to provide an enabling environment for businesses.

    According to him, if the government could appreciate the huge number of employees in the sector, its agencies would treat them better.