All buildings constructed by the Lekki Gardens are to undergo stability test to ascertain their structural integrity, the Lagos State government said on Tuesday.
The State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, gave the directive shortly after inspecting the site of the collapsed building which was under construction by the Lekki Gardens.
He said that any building found to be defective would be demolished.
The Governor told reporters in Ikeja that the incident, which claimed over 30 lives and left several others injured was “one building collapse too many”.
He said that since the unfortunate incident the state government had taken several steps to stem the tide of building collapse.
According to him, his administration is determined not to fail in the responsibility of ensuring the safety of lives and property of its citizens.
“The State Government will undertake a stability test on all other buildings constructed by the Developer in the State, whether occupied or not, to ascertain their structural stability.
“The Developer will pay the cost of the tests. Any building found to be defective would be demolished. For those that pass the integrity test the developer will pay a penalty for any over development on the site,” he said.
Governor Ambode, who commiserated with those who suffered loss and injury, as a result of the building collapse, said since the incident, the state government had ordered the immediate sealing of the construction site and cessation of further construction.
He said the state government also co-ordinated emergency rescue of all injured victims and treatment at its hospitals, prosecution of owners of the collapsed building as well as dismissal of some government officials.
No Sacred Cows
According to him, the government, going forward, would carry out an audit of all structures in the state to ascertain those with planning approval or not and evaluate the physical development against the approved building plans.
“Details of the plan will be made public soon.
“I want to assure you that there will no longer be any sacred cows. If there is failure of duty, there will be sanctions.
“I also want to seize this opportunity to assure Lagosians that the State Government will do everything within its powers to check the excesses of Developers who flout its regulations and will restore efficiency and confidence in the building control and supervision process,” the Governor said.
Governor Ambode also said that a five man committee had been set up to examine the Urban and Regional Planning Law of the State, as it affects the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
The Committee is to be chaired by TPL (Dr) Moses Olubunmi Ajayi, a past President of the Nigerian Institute of Town Planners and Association of Professional Bodies of Nigeria, while members include Mr Ore Fadayomi, President of the Nigerian Institute of Structural engineers, Architect (Mrs) Yetunde O. Ajayi, a retired Permanent Secretary, General Manager of Lagos State Planning Authority and Secretary of Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) as Secretary of the Committee.
Governor Ambode also urged the committee to examine the operations of LASBCA and make recommendations for changes that would ensure effective service delivery, recommend organisational re-structure and appropriate manpower for effective operation of LASBCA.
They are also to study the legal and operational issues affecting the functioning of the Materials Testing Laboratory and other matters that will enhance the efficient functioning of the two organisations.
He gave the committee four weeks to submit its report.
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