According to The PUNCH, the Lagos State Government ordered the immediate suspension of clearance for structures with more than three stories in Ebute-Metta East and West on Wednesday.
“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,” the statement quoted Salako as saying.
He added that the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority has been directed to henceforth stop taking applications for approval above three floors in the area.
“To guarantee the 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”, he said.
Salako called for understanding of stakeholders, saying the decision is in the best interest of the state and residents in the area.
The move was made after an examination of buildings in the area, according to Dr. Idris Salako, the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development.
The ministry’s Deputy Director, Public Affairs, Mukaila Sanusi, issued a statement headed, ‘LASG orders stoppage of approvals for structures above 3 stories in Ebute-Metta.’
According to the commissioner, the low-lying nature of Ebute-Metta, as well as its detrimental influence on some of the buildings, the majority of which had serious problems, required the government to take exceptional precautions to save lives and property.