Lagos State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to the enforcement of Physical Planning and Urban Development law of the state to stem the tide of unwholesome practices in the building industry. This was disclosed by the Commissioner for Physical Planning Urban Development Mr. Wasiu Anifowoshe at the stakeholders’ meeting organised by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Agency (LASPPPA) at Ojo Area of Lagos State. The theme of the meeting was “keying into the benefits of City Development for Urban Sustainability.”
Anifowoshe admonished people to always build their structures in accordance with the approved building plans so as to avoid disorderliness and haphazard development in the Communities adding that Lagos State as a fast growing megacity is poised to ensure liveable and sustainable environment through constructive engagement of all stakeholders.
The General Manager of the Physical Planning Permit Authority Mr. Toyin Abdul, the Convener of the stakeholders’ meeting, said the essence of the meeting was to deliberate on physical planning and development issues with a view of obtaining feedback from the stakeholders through interactive session. He said the sporadic urban growth in Ojo area has necessitated the preparation of Development Guides and the expansion of Lagos –Badagry Express way as well as production of Badagry master plan which has spelt out some key projects such as health facilities, up-grading of schools, waterfront development to mention a few.
He stated that it is time to ensure total compliance to planning laws and regulations, saying procrastination to do the needful can no longer be allowed. “Let us learn and build in conformity with physical development plans’ law and regulations. We cannot continue to procrastinate as delay could be dangerous”, he warned.
Unfolding government’s efforts to expedite development permit in the state, Abdul stated that 20 District Offices were created across the state, with Ojo local government included. Besides, to ensure easy retrieval of the development plan, the agency is working out a software code known as “LASPPPA Soft”, aimed at detailing recording of development permit. This is in addition to ease complication of approved building plans for gazetting, in collaboration with the Physical Planning Research and statistics Department.
At the interactive session, Directors from the various Departments took turn to enlighten the gathering on the activities of their Departments and the process of obtaining necessary approvals and permits. The Building Materials Testing Laboratory Agency was also at hand to sensitise the people on activities it also stressed the need for people to subject the building materials to testing so as to ensure of the quality of materials being used for construction. This according to him would stem the incidence of building collapse.
Responding to the issue raised by the Ojo market leader on the markets removed to pave the way for the expansion of Badagry Express road, he appealed to the market association to be patient with the government saying that removal of such markets was for the good of all. “Your socio-economic life will improve, your property will attract more value and transportation will become easy and affordable,” he explained.
Responding to complaint by the Bricklayers’ Association on low patronage and preference of foreign Artisans to their Nigerian counterpart, Anifowose said the building industry is very competitive and for the bricklayers to occupy their right position in the building industry they have to upscale their skills and register under a builder adding that the best person would always get the job as nobody would patronise anybody whose competence was in doubt.
However, a group of Professionals in the built environment appealed to the government to create space for facilities such as the General Hospital and burial ground in the Ojo master plan, while the Community Development Associations sought government assistance in securing land to execute Community development projects.
