Lagos issues two-week evacuation order for 15 distressed buildings in Surulere

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has issued a two-week ultimatum to residents of over 15 distressed buildings in Iponri Housing Estate, Surulere, to vacate their homes.

The agency deemed the buildings unsafe due to compromised structural integrity.

During a visit to the estate, LASBCA General Manager Gbolahan Oki expressed concerns about the potential danger posed by the structures, stating that their demolition was necessary to ensure public safety.

He emphasised that multiple notices and warnings had been issued to residents before this final evacuation order.

The affected buildings, which include two-storey blocks of flats, are now slated for demolition.

Oki stressed that the evacuation order aligns with LASBCA’s mandate to proactively monitor and address distressed buildings across Lagos State.

“Asking residents to vacate distressed buildings to enable LASBCA to remove them is in the public’s best interest,” Oki stated. “The deteriorating condition of some of the distressed buildings poses a great danger, as their integrity has been compromised and could give way at any time.”

He reassured the public that LASBCA remains vigilant in monitoring buildings across the state to identify and address potentially dangerous structures.

Desmond Elliot, a Member of the Lagos State House of Assembly representing Surulere Constituency 1, and Barakat Bakare, Governor Sanwo-Olu’s Special Adviser on Housing, joined Oki on the visit and urged residents to comply with building codes and safety regulations.

This action comes in the wake of a recent collapse in the Orile area of Lagos, highlighting the urgent need for proactive measures to prevent such incidents.

While there were no casualties in the Orile collapse, Lagos has witnessed many building collapses in recent times, underscoring the importance of LASBCA’s efforts to ensure public safety.