By Monsuru olowoopejo

THE Lagos State Government has expressed worries over the structural stability of buildings in Badagry axis of the state, saying “only 46 of the over 500 buildings erected within the last five years are certified by the government.” This was disclosed at a stakeholders’ meeting held at the Badagry Town Hall for residents of Badagry to sensitize them on plans to develop the axis.

Director of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, LSAPPA, Mr. Adekunle Osude, who disclosed this at the meeting, lamented that between 2010 and 2015, hundreds of buildings were erected in Badagry axis but few were structurally certified. According to him, “In 2010, 8 buildings were certified, 2011, 15 buildings; 2012, 9 buildings; 2013, 12 buildings; 2014, none and 2015, 2 buildings were certified.”

General Manager of LASPPA, Mr. Toyin Abdul added:  “We received 1,546 building plans between January and December 2015 and of these statistics, 1,428 buildings were approved. “In this vein, we have commenced monitoring of structures without development plans with our sister agency, Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA with the view to ensure that developers build in conformity with the stated laws in the state,” he added.

Listening to the statistics, Chairman House Committee on Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Setonji David, warned against demolishing the uncertified buildings, especially the completed structures in the axis. David said that the assembly would not welcome any confrontation between the government and residents. According to him, “rather than demolish such buildings, the state government should introduce a process that will fast track certification of buildings in the state.”

Responding, Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Wasiu Anifowoshe said: “We don’t want to demolish any building. And that was why we have asked residents to seek for the necessary approvals before they start construction. And that was why we have introduced E-planning permits to aid quick issuance of permits,” he added.

The commissioner noted that the government was working to ensure that parts of the lands under global acquisition were returned to  residents of Badagry. Anifowoshe, however,  warned that the state government would not abandon the Badagry Master plan for any reason because it brings rapid socio-economic development to the axis.

He said “we will monitor the Badagry Master plan to the letter before it expires in 2041. This was a plan drawn at N700 million. The development of Badagry is germaine to us.’’