The Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, ordered the immediate stoppage of approval for buildings above three floors in Ebute-Metta East and West.

The Lagos State Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Idris Salako, made this known via a statement made available to The Star on Wednesday.

Salako said the directive followed an audit of buildings in the area.

He said the low-lying nature of Ebute-Metta and its negative impact on some of the buildings, most of which showed serious defects, made it mandatory for the state government to apply special measures to save lives and property.

“The soil and topography, the low water level and effects as well as the inability of structures in this area to bear loads above three floors were considered in arriving at this decision.,” Salako stated.

READ ALSO: Lagos govt demolishes partially collapsed buildings in Okota

He noted that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has been directed to henceforth stop taking applications for approval above three floors in the area.

“To guarantee safety of lives and property by ensuring that we put a halt to lives being cut short by incidents of building collapse, the government has been compelled to invoke the relevant sections of the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law 2019, as amended, to address the crisis,” the commissioner stated.

Salako, therefore, called for understanding of stakeholders, noting that the decision was in the best interest of Lagos State.

The Star