By Olasunkanmi Akoni

Worried by the spate of buildings collapse which many have attributed to poor planning, the Lagos State Government has announced its intention to commence the implementation of the Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2010 next year.

The decision is coming on the heels of the disclosure that the government, in a bid to check the rising occurrence of collapsed buildings, identified and demolished over 22 distressed buildings in 2011 alone.

The Commissioner for Urban Planning and Regional Development, Mr. Olutoyin Ayinde, a Town Planner, disclosed this at an interactive session with stakeholders and community members in Kosofe Agboyi–Ketu and  Ikosi–Isheri Local Council Areas.

The Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010 which was endorsed in July 2010, by Governor Babatunde Fashola is aimed at achieving zero tolerance to incidents of collapsed buildings, illegal development and non – conformity with development plans.

Ayinde stated that the essence of the interactive session was to sensitise people on the provisions of the

While appealing for the cooperation and vigilance of stakeholders and community members in Kosofe, Agboyi – Ketu and Ikosi–Isheri, the commissioner, urged them to collaborate with the state government to stem the tide of building collapses and ensure better town planning.

Ayinde, further called on owners of all the buildings recommended for demolition to pull them down or face the wrath of the law. He warned that if such structures collapsed, government would take possession of the land on which they were built.

On the 20 defective buildings demolished, the commissioner explained that 12 buildings were demolished between July and now.  “About 22 buildings have been demolished, while some were done by the owners of the structures, others were carried out by the state government” he said.

Ready to partner artisans in the fight against building collapse

Meanwhile, the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has expressed its readiness to collaborate with the Association of Building Artisans of Nigeria, ASBAN to provide safer buildings measures.

Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Olutoyin Ayinde told members of ASBAN who paid him a courtesy call in his Ikeja office that the move would enhance service delivery among members and bring the increasing occurrence of collapse buildings to the barest minimum.

The commissioner who lauded the Association’s efforts to produce well trained and qualified artisans, noted that emphasis should be placed on value delivery. He admonished the public to place premium on delivery of quality construction jobs as against inferior ones, adding that this would lead to optimal level of efficiency and safety in the construction industry.

Ayinde also advised members of the public to employ the services of qualified and certified artisans for the construction and renovation of their buildings, while complaints against erring artisan should be lodged with the Association.

He stressed the need for the older and more experienced artisans to impact positive attitude to work on the younger ones when embarking on projects.