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The Lagos State Government, LASG, through its agencies (Lagos State Planning and Environmental Monitoring Agency, LASPEMA and Lagos State Building Control Agency, LASBCA) has embarked on the demolition of illegal structures along the Lekki-Epe Expressway.
According to a statement on Monday, the General Manager of LASPEMA, Daisi Oso, who spoke during the joint exercise, said the structures were built under power transmission lines.
He said, “Months back, appeals were made and contravention notices were served to all owners/occupiers of car lots, shanties, and other informal business operators on setbacks along Lekki-Epe Expressway axis, without compliance.
“Lekki remains a very critical area and one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing axis, where both government and private sectors are making huge investments. Because of this, the state government will continue to preserve the environment and anything less becomes an irritant because the present government is committed to achieving its THEMES agenda.
“This demolition exercise will be extended to other parts of the state, especially where infractions are noticed on setbacks/incidental open spaces.
“These illegal structures were erected under power transmission lines and the state government, under any administration, did not issue any approval/permit to occupants of the concerned areas for either business or residential purposes against claims from some quarters.”
TheNewsGuru.com reports that LASBCA came into being through the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law of 2010, but it officially started in August 12, 2012.
It Is an Agency set up to ensure that basic minimum standards are maintained in building construction and renovation in order to ensure that existing and new buildings are safe, healthy, accessible and habitable for present and future generations.
The Agency works together with developers or owners to provide a highly quality service and to make sure that all building works are satisfactorily carried out. LASBCA also work closely with other government agencies such as Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA).
LASBCA is governed by Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2010, LASBCA regulations and the National Building Codes.
Recall that Lagos State Government, in its commitment to making the state attain its desired goal of a well-planned and healthy environment suitable for all established the Lagos Planning and Environmental Monitoring Authority in 2001 by the former Governor of Lagos State, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The Authority is saddled with the responsibility of monitoring road setbacks and incidental open spaces to prevent their abuse/misuse and ensure urban aesthetics as well as coordinate site selection for the location of informal businesses to ensure compliance with the State Operative Development Plan in collaboration with Physical Planning Department.
One of the Agency’s major functions also includes issuing Operational Permit or Conditional Use Permit (CUP) to informal business operators in the State among others.