The Lagos State Government is planning a dialogue with developers and property owners to discuss ways to address distressed buildings in the state.
In a statement issued yesterday (Sunday, October 27) by Mr Mukaila Sanusi, the Deputy Director, Public Affairs Unit of the ministry, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide disclosed that the meeting slated for this November would seek solutions to the problem of distressed buildings and subsequent collapses.
He added that the proposed strategic dialogue meeting would be a game changer in the sector by offering technical support, providing viable alternatives to demolition, and combating the menace of distressed buildings in the state.
Olumide said the government was worried about the increasing number of distressed buildings in Lagos.
He said the ministry would offer technical support to developers and owners of distressed buildings.
He said the ministry would help with the design and remodeling of distressed buildings.
“The Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development as mandated by the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law, 2019, as amended, is willing to extend its responsibility for approving remodeling of existing buildings to providing technical assistance to developers and owners of distressed buildings, especially on design and remodeling of such buildings.
“Buildings have their lifespans and should be continuously maintained as the lifespans approach rather than being left to degenerate to the level of distress and eventual collapse, which are inimical to a safe and sustainable environment,” he said in a report by the News Agency of Nigeria.
