The Lagos State Government on Wednesday sounded a strong warning against fake planning permits and illegal building construction without permit as it sealed up 15 buildings in Bourdillion, Onikoyi and Banana Island in Ikoyi axis of the State for not having Planning Permits.
Speaking during the special enforcement operation, invoving the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Special Operations Team of the Governor’s Office and the Lagos State Building Control Agency(LASBCA)the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako reiterated that obtaining Planning Permit from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority(LASPPPA) was a necessary pre-condition for commencing building construction in Lagos State.
He added that every Developer must in addition approach LASBCA for stage certification and to certify their building safe, complete and habitable, stressing that anything short of this was illegal and unacceptable.
The Physical Planning Commissioner expressed grave concern at the attitude of some Developers who attempt to cut corners, evade due process and end up procuring fake Planning Permits, adding that it always paid to stick by the rule and do the needful.
He said that stiff penalties would await anyone found possesing or issuing fake Planning Permits, while emphasising that the State Government would stop at nothing to disuade unapproved and illegal physical development in its bid to bring about orderly, organised and livable physical environment as envisaged by the T.H.E.M.E.S.agenda of government.
In the same vien, he warned against obstructing officials of the Ministry or her Agencies who were on monitoring or enforcement duties as any untoward act toward these public officials would be met with serious penalties in accordance with the law.
He stated that a Developer who tried to obstruct the special enforcement operation in Ikoyi had been arrested and would be made to face the full wrath of the law as detterence to others.
Also at the enforcement exercise that was billed to last for some weeks are: the Special Adviser to the Governor on Urban Development, Hon. Ganiyu Adele Ayuba; Team Leader, Special Operations Team, Mr. Peter Omotosho; General Manager LASBCA, Engr. Biola Kosegbe and; operatives of the Monitoring and Compliance Unit of LASPPPA.
