The Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday ordered occupants in all houses that had been built by Lekki Gardens to vacate their apartments.
He also ordered integrity tests to be carried out on the buildings to ascertain their fitness.
The governor, who visited the site of the five-storeyed collapsed building, which killed 35 people in Lekki, said he was displeased with what he saw, hence the need for immediate action.
Ambode, who spoke at the Lagos House, Ikeja, shortly after his inspection of the site and other buildings owned by Lekki Gardens, added that after the tests, buildings found to be defective would be demolished.
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| Collapsed building in Lekki killed 35 |
He stated that the developer would take the responsibility for the relocation of occupants of the buildings.
He said, “The state government will undertake stability tests on all other buildings constructed by the developers in the state, whether occupied or not, to ascertain their structural stability. The developers will pay the cost of the tests. Any building found to be defective will be demolished.
“Also, the state government intends to carry out an audit of all structures in Lagos to ascertain whether they have planning approval or not. The details of this initiative are being finalised and you will be briefed in due course.
“Let me reiterate that Lagos is open to business, but everybody must comply with the state’s laws and regulations. Our main concern is to continue to improve on the ease of doing business and uphold the rule of law at all times. Those who choose non-compliance and defiance will henceforth face the full weight of the law.”
He stated that since the tragedy occurred, his administration had taken steps by ordering the immediate sealing of the construction site and cessation of further construction, among others.
“In addition, some government officials have been relieved of their duties. I want to assure you that there will no longer be any sacred cows,” he said.
The governor added that he had established a five-man committee under the chairmanship of Dr Moses Ajayi, a past President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria to examine the Urban and Regional Planning Law of the state as it affected the Lagos State Building Control Agency and make recommendations for changes that would ensure effective service delivery.
Double wahala for dead body and the owner of dead body. Most Nigerians who are rich suffer from OCD - obsessive compulsive disorder. Irrespective of what once something is associated with high class or the rich they go for it. Even if some companies should build an estate made of mud houses and thatch roof even with minimal amnenties but as long as they associate it with the mighty, the rich and high class you see people rushing there with stolen money and wealth to display. Ours is now an unquestioning society that no longer think deeply again.
ReplyDeleteMedicine after death!
ReplyDeleteAs long as we continue to do the right things, change our orientation, people in position of authority refused to worship money and desist from corruption related activities these kind of things will continue to happen. Ambode and the rest can only do their bit, you and i should contribute our positive quoter.
ReplyDeleteWhat is the state govt doing in ascertaining that building standard and testing is carried out before the collapse ? Should we await calamity to befall us b4 doing our statutory duties ? Now you are going to eject people and start testing building that has been occupied years ago.....That is stupidity. The building ought to have been tested b4 completion.
ReplyDeleteI smell a rat here. There seems to be bad blood between the Governor and this Lekki Garden developer. When you are burdened with power, please exercise equity justly. Don't allow the innocent suffer on account of your leadership. There are many ways to carry out structural tests without having the occupants vacate the premises. What you are indirectly calling for is for the fall of Lekki Gardens. These occupants would besiege the company to provide them alternate abode. Justice for all means that the law is blind before Everyman. Therefore, cannot select. I know of a church that killed more people than this private developers estate. No one has been seen to order the evacuation of the entire church to carry out structural sound tests. One thing to remember is when you are with power, treat even your enemy is he way you would like them to treat you if reverse was the case. RIP to those who have lost their lives.
ReplyDeleteThis man talks without thinking? Is he going to re- house the occupants at Government Lodge? or give them money to pay the rent when they find alternative accommodation?
ReplyDeleteGood idea but painful because many of the tenant will suffer for some time
ReplyDelete@Anonymous 9.29AM, please read before you comment. So the Government should wait for all the houses to collapse and people die before doing the right thing? By the way, he said the developer will pay for the relocation of the residents. Haba..
ReplyDeleteThis man that keeps smelling rat. You are fund of this conspiracy theory.
ReplyDeleteGood idea if the government says it is going to be strict and concerned with all future buildings and constructions to be carried out in the state to make sure they rigidly conform to all the stipulated regulations and standards to avoid future such disasters, but to set the laws in retrospect is actually aiming at creating great harassments to innocent people who for instance built their houses in village locations before such places became towns.
ReplyDeletewhat ist there
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