General Manager of LASBCA, Gbolahan Oki, said the move was to sensitise residents on the need to build in accordance with stipulated laws to prevent building collapse and avoidable loss of lives in the state.
He said the exercise, which holds simultaneously across all the 20 Local Councils of the state was to sensitise Lagosians on what is required of them before the commencement of building as well as the necessary approvals needed.
Speaking on the theme: “Compliance to Building Regulations – An Antidote to Building Collapse,” Oki pleaded with Lagosians to embrace willful compliance with all laws guiding building construction.
According to him, complying with building codes was cheaper than disregarding building and physical planning laws that puts property owners at the risk of losing their lives and properties when collapse occurred.
Oki urged residents to consult building professionals, obtain a development permit, and make use of quality materials for construction works, saying this would curb incessant building collapse in the state.
The General Manager explained that sealing off buildings or demolishing structures are usually thee last option the state government wants to explore, assuring that there would be no need for sealing buildings or pulling down structures if residents embrace willful compliance and follow all laid down rules and regulations.
Speaking at his Palace in Ikorodu, Adegboruwa of Igbogbo kingdom, His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oba Abdul Semiu Orimadegun Kasali, lauded the concept of bringing the awareness campaign closer to the grassroots, adding that the rally would go a long way in educating residents on building regulations and their applications.
Oba Adegboruwa emphasised the need for effective synergy between all relevant stakeholders, advising the state government to conduct more sensitisation efforts that would enable people to distinguish between the services of Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and (LASBCA), stressing that there seems to be misconceptions about the roles of the two agencies.
He suggested that the state develop a template that explicitly explains the responsibilities of each concerned agency and their roles in building regulations.
The traditional ruler promised to get the template printed in banner format and erect it in the palace for everyone to see, enabling them to acquire more knowledge on building regulations and control.
Chief Whip of the Professional Carpenter and Furniture Association, Ikorodu Branch, Ajagunna Olusoji Dada, commended the state government and Management of LASBCA for organising the programme, stating that it would reduce building collapse in the state.
He advised the residents to engage the services of qualified carpenters and other artisans for their building projects.
