By OLASUNKANMI   AKONI
Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos state has charged stakeholders in the building industry to generate workable administrative provisions that would aid the implementation of the 2010 law on physical planning, development and building control.

Speaking at the stakeholders’ retreat, the governor, represented by the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat, noted that the implementation of the law would foreclose the menace of building collapse. He called on different stakeholders to evolve appropriate regulations, codes and guidelines to drive the law.

He pointed out that the implementation would positively impact on the living conditions of the people, create a safe environment and, provide good platform for investments and tourism in the megacity.

Fashola, also urged stakeholders to collaborate and contribute ideas as well as lend support to the implementation of the law in order to ensure its success, adding that the State government was committed to doing the needful to implement their recommendations.

He noted that the task of transforming Lagos into Africa’s Model Mega City was a very challenging task and that residents must see the three day retreat as an avenue for them to contribute meaningfully to policies and programmes designed to benefit them.

While commending the members of the Technical Committee, who worked at various sessions that formed the law, the governor disclosed that preparation has commenced for model city plans for Alimosho, Lagos Mainland Central, Apapa and Agege – Ifako – Ijaiye.

Underscoring the need for the retreat, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Tpl. Olutoyin Ayinde remarked that the law provided for stakeholders of engagement in physical planning, best practices and good governance in physical planning processes which would ensure a liveable, tourism and economic friendly society.

He appealed to stakeholders to sustain a partnership based on mutual understanding and respect each other views in order to give Lagos a new face.