LASBCA demolishes critically distressed building in Amuwo-Odofin, Lagos ~ Matter Arising

Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has been at the forefront of efforts aimed at preventing building collapses and the associated dangers in Lagos State. In this pursuit, the agency recently took the drastic step of demolishing a critically distressed four-story structure located in Festac Extension Estate, off Eko Akete Road in Mile 2, Amuwo-Odofin.

The demolition was a bold move aimed at safeguarding the lives of Lagos residents and avoiding the catastrophic consequences of a building collapse.

Before the demolition, LASBCA followed due process by first evacuating all occupants of the building and serving all necessary notices, including a demolition notice, on the building owner. This step was crucial in ensuring the safety of all those who might have been in the building during the demolition exercise. It was also an indication of the agency’s commitment to following established procedures and laws in all its activities.

The General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, spoke about the demolition exercise and expressed gratitude to the members of the Amuwo-Odofin Community Development Association (CDA) and other concerned citizens of the area for their prompt reporting of the distressed building. He commended their efforts and charged all Lagosians to emulate their act and report any cases of distressed or defective structures to LASBCA.

Oki’s words were a call to action for all residents of Lagos State to be vigilant and proactive in identifying and reporting any potential threats to their safety and well-being. The role of citizens in reporting cases of distressed buildings is critical in preventing building collapses, as the agency can only act on information made available to it.

In addition to urging residents to be proactive, Oki also emphasized the importance of building maintenance and periodic checks for building owners and developers. He stated that it is the responsibility of these individuals to ensure that their buildings are in good condition and can withstand the test of time. This is because many building collapses have been attributed to a lack of proper maintenance and regular checks.

Therefore, building owners and developers must take the necessary steps to maintain their buildings and prevent the occurrence of building collapses. This includes regular inspections, repairs, and upgrades, especially for structures that are aging or located in areas with challenging weather conditions.

The demolition of the distressed building in Festac Extension Estate was well received by the residents of the area, as it had been a source of concern for them due to the danger it posed.

One of the residents, Miss Anita Ayama, expressed gratitude on behalf of the people towards LASBCA and the Lagos State Government for their prompt response and action in addressing the issue. Her words were a testament to the impact of the agency’s efforts in improving the safety and well-being of Lagos residents.

Our Take

The demolition of the distressed building by LASBCA serves as a reminder of the importance of maintaining buildings and the role of citizens in reporting potential dangers.

Building collapses can have catastrophic consequences, and it is the responsibility of all residents to be vigilant and proactive in preventing them. Building owners and developers must also take their responsibilities seriously by maintaining their buildings and ensuring that they are safe for occupancy.

We believe LASBCA will continue to play its part in promoting the safety and well-being of Lagos residents, and its demolition of the distressed building in Festac Extension Estate is a testament to this commitment.