Lagos Plans Dialogue With Property Owners To Curb Building Collapse

The Lagos State Government has said that it would soon arrange a dialogue meeting with developers, owners of distressed buildings on how best to address the redesign and re-modelling of such structures.

The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide who disclosed this to journalists in Lagos said that the prevalence of distressed buildings in different parts of the state was worrisome and called for the urgent attention of all stakeholders.

He said that the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, was willing to extend its responsibility for approving remodeling of existing buildings to providing technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on design and remodeling of such buildings.

He added that buildings that have their lifespans should be continuously maintained as the lifespans approach rather than being left to degenerate to the level of distress and eventual collapse, which are inimical to a safe and sustainable environment.

He said that the proposed strategic dialogue meeting would be a game changer in the sector by offering technical support, providing viable alternatives to demolition, and combating the menace of distressed buildings in the state.