Lagos to digitalise physical planning processes

Lagos State Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development has commenced the process of using digital technology for certification, monitoring and urban renewal processes, through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) and the Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency (LASURA).

This was made known in Alausa at the weekend, when the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako, received proposals from experts on the initiatives.

Salako said the proposal for the digitisation of critical activities of the ministry was intended to facilitate real time monitoring of the built environment for infractions and rely on technology to detect illegal developments and monitor developments with approvals for stage certification, deploying GIS technology and data for slum upgrading.

He said the proposals were welcome, as preliminary steps towards aligning the ministry’s activities with international best practices.

He added that the initiative was expected to yield many positive results, including improving the ease of doing business rating of Lagos State, eliminating bottlenecks, detection of contraventions through change detection and enhancing revenue generation.

“Overall, this initiative will help increase performance and enhance the orderliness and sustainability of the environment by reducing human elements and promoting digital monitoring of physical development in the state,” he said.

The ministry has received proposals to apply geo-satellite images and data for monitoring and tracking developments in the built environment; and to collaborate with idea map and other development agencies to employ GIS technology in the identification and mapping of slum settlements in the state, as well as upgrading of the blighted areas to assist the regeneration efforts of the State Government in line with the THEMES agenda of Mr. Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu.