LASBCA arrests man for illegal dredging, begins removal of critically distressed building in Ketu

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has been actively working to prevent building collapses and ensure the safety of residents in the state.

Recently, LASBCA officials arrested Mr. Francis Umeh, a suspected site owner at 313 Cl, Banana Island, for conducting illegal dredging activities in preparation for building construction.

LASBCA’s General Manager, Arc. Gbolahan Oki, commented on the arrest and emphasized the importance of following the building codes of the state.

According to Arc. Oki, anyone intending to commence building construction must abide by the building codes of the state, which includes obtaining the necessary permits and authorizations to construct buildings from start to finish. Failure to comply with the codes will result in the sealing of the site, its removal, and the arrest and prosecution of its owner. This is to ensure the safety of Lagos residents, as illegal dredging activities can lead to disaster if not properly handled.

Illegal dredging activities can have several negative effects on the environment and the people living in the area. Dredging activities, which involve removing sediment and other materials from the bottom of a water body, can lead to erosion, loss of habitat, and water pollution.

In addition, dredging can cause the release of toxins and heavy metals into the water, which can be harmful to aquatic life and humans. The dredging process can also destabilize the soil, leading to landslides and building collapses.

In a separate development, LASBCA prevented an imminent building collapse by manually removing a critically distressed building located at 13, Rasaki Bello Street, off Alh. Lawal Street, Ketu.

The building had been previously identified and listed as one of the 349 distressed structures published by the agency. The GM of LASBCA stated that the building was structurally unstable and posed a danger to human habitation, thus prompting the agency to quickly evacuate the residents and begin the demolition process. He also mentioned that the weak state of the building necessitated manual demolition to ensure safety.

Building collapse is a major issue in Lagos, with several incidents occurring in recent years. These collapses have resulted in the loss of lives, injuries, and property damage. In response to this, LASBCA has been actively working to prevent building collapses and ensure the safety of residents. The agency has identified and listed distressed structures in the state and has been carrying out necessary measures to prevent building collapse.

Arc. Oki urged property owners and developers to carry out necessary tests to check the structural stability of their properties, particularly those exhibiting signs of distress, and follow the recommendations provided to avoid building collapse and its negative consequences, particularly during the rainy season. This is important because building collapses are often caused by poor construction practices, lack of maintenance, and weak foundations.

The rainy season in Lagos can exacerbate the issue of building collapse, as heavy rains can cause soil erosion and destabilize already weak buildings. It is therefore important that property owners and developers take necessary precautions to ensure the safety of their buildings and the people living in them. This includes regular maintenance, testing, and adherence to building codes and regulations.