Building Collapse: Lagos Govt Vows To Punish Owner

The Lagos State Government has threatened to punish the owner of a building that collapsed in the Mushin area of the state. 

A Wednesday statement by the Public Affairs Unit of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) quoted its General Manager Gbolahan Oki to have given the warning.

Oki said that a preliminary investigation on the two-story building with an illegal attachment which collapsed under construction thereby affecting a nearby bungalow indicated that substandard materials were used for the infrastructure.

He added that LASBCA had in the past served a stop-work order and quit notice on the building which was subsequently sealed but was disobeyed by the property owner.

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According to him, the owner of the building, however, decided to break the government seal to continue the illegal construction. He said that appropriate action to be taken could include the demolition of other defective structures within the compound, prosecution, and seizure of the property to redress the situation.

The LASBCA chief called on residents of the state to desist from erecting any building without requisite permits and stop acting against the law by removing the government seal on defective buildings. Oki described such an untoward act as illegal and a risk to lives.

He also refuted claims that a baby died at the building collapse site and maintained that no life was lost due to the agency’s prompt response.

According to him, the occupants who sustained injuries at the site are receiving medical attention at a nearby medical facility.

He warned developers and property owners against illegal constructions and conversions, especially attachments to existing buildings without approval and strict supervision by the Agency.

LASBCA also cautioned owners of distressed buildings marked for removal to remove them immediately to avoid sanctions.