The Lagos State Government announced on Thursday that the building which partially collapsed at Oloto Street, Borno Way, Ebute Metta had already been earmarked for demolition before its unfortunate collapse.
During an inspection of the old two-floor structure in the early hours of Thursday, Dr. Oluyinka Olumide, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, revealed that the building had been identified as distressed and listed for demolition prior to the incident.
According to a statement by Mr. Mukaila Sanusi, the Ministry’s spokesperson, the Commissioner expressed sympathy for those affected by the collapse.
Dr. Olumide explained that the building was among those recently identified and deemed distressed by the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) during its routine monitoring earlier in the month.
He further stated that the agency had already issued statutory notices, including quit notice and seal orders, and had commenced the process to remove the building.
Expressing dismay at the occupants’ refusal to comply with LASBCA’s notice to mitigate the potential danger, the Commissioner instructed LASBCA to proceed with the immediate demolition of the building. He also urged residents in the state to consistently adhere to government directives and vacate any distressed buildings to safeguard lives and property.
