…….. Begins demolition of a highly distressed 3 floor structure.
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) today removed an unauthorized additional floor at Mega plaza multi level parking facility at 19, Idowu Martins Street, Victoria Island, Lagos.
The General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki who disclosed this, stated that the Agency discovered the illegality during its routine monitoring exercise in the area.
He further explained that the removal of the floor was a move to prevent building collapse in the State as it was discovered that the developer intends to use the additional floor to house a night club and a swimming pool which was not provided for in the approval granted.
He noted that the addition could lead to a fatal collapse since the existing building which is a purpose built car park might not carry the additional load.
Apart from the additional floor added the General Manager said the developer also added a cargo lift which is not in conformity with the approval granted.
The General Manager explained that all efforts to ensure the developer conformed were shunned as he failed to produce recommended Foundation Probe Test to prove that the additional floor can be accommodated by the existing foundation.
Oki maintained that the removal is in line with the building codes of the State which is aimed at curbing the incidence collapse in the State.
He enjoined all building owners/developers to adhere strictly to Lagos State Building Codes by conforming to original building plan approval given to them as any building that exceed the approval limit will be removed.
In a similar development, the Agency has begun the removal of a highly distressed 3 floor fully occupied building located at 35, Igunnu Street Lagos Island.
According to the General Manager, the building which had been earlier captured as distressed and marked for demolition started showing signs of collapse and the Agency quickly swung into action by evacuating the residents and subsequently began the removal process.
Whilst assuring Lagosians that the Agency will continue to carry out its responsibilities to the best of their ability, Oki urged residents of distressed and defective structures to quit such and report to LASBCA for necessary actions.
Adetayo Akitoye-Asagba
Asst. Director, Public Affairs (LASBCA)