Yemisi Izuora
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has given a seven-day evacuation ultimatum to traders and residents of a distressed three-storey building in Oshodi.
The ultimatum was issued by the Director, Public Affairs of the agency, Mr Gbadeyan Abdulraheem on Sunday in Lagos.
In the statement, the General Manager Mr Gbolahan Oki, was quoted as saying that the owner and occupants of the dilapidated building at No. 2 Brown Street, off Bolade Bus-Stop, Oshodi, had ignored several quit and removal notices served in the past.
Oki said the seven days ultimatum became necessary after the scientific and Structural Integrity/Stability Test (SIT) revealed that the high-rise building “is extremely dilapidated and a disaster waiting to happen’’.
Oki said that there was a need for “removal of the structure to prevent loss of lives and in line with the government’s drive to achieve zero tolerance to building collapse for the safety of Lagos residents.
He explained that the SIT tests were carried out by a team of LASBCA experts and its sister agency, the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory.
The general manager urged the traders/residents to vacate the building for their own good before April 15.
He added that this would allow the agency to remove the building before a disaster would occur.
“The government will not fold its arms and watch a distressed structure of that magnitude collapse on her people without taking necessary action,’’’ he said.
While reaffirming the state government’s commitment to safeguarding lives and property, Oki called for the collaboration of residents in reporting distressed and non-confirming buildings in their localities to LASBCA district offices.
He said this would reduce the incidence of building collapse.