In the aftermath of the recent collapse of a seven-storey building in Banana Island, Lagos, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has issued an order to demolish three two-storey buildings on the island. The decision was announced during a site inspection tour conducted by the Governor, who stated that one of the buildings to be demolished was an illegal structure without approval.
The two other buildings, located at 306 Close, were constructed under power lines and water, and thus deemed unsafe for habitation.
During the inspection, Governor Sanwo-Olu expressed his concern about the unapproved extensions into the water, behind the lands that border the waterways. He blamed some federal agencies, including the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), for granting the extensions without the knowledge of the Lagos State government. He emphasized that the original line for Banana Island was further in front of the current extensions.
The Governor also stated that the demolition exercise was not only about the location of the collapsed building but also about the safety of all construction sites in Banana Island. He ordered the cessation of all construction activities in the area until further notice.
The decision to demolish the buildings was not unexpected, given the increasing concerns about building collapses in Lagos State. The Lagos State government has been taking steps to address the problem, including the signing of a new Building Control Law in 2019, which aimed to regulate the construction industry and ensure that buildings were constructed to meet safety standards.
The Governor’s decision to demolish the three buildings in Banana Island is a step towards ensuring the safety of the residents of the area. It is expected that the Lagos State government will continue to enforce building codes and regulations to prevent further building collapses in the state.
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