COMMISSIONER URGES STAFF TO BE PEOPLE-FRIENDLY
The Lagos State Commissioner forPhysical Planning and Urban Development, Dr. Idris Salako has appealed to officials of State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), particularly the District Officers to be people-friendly in order to ensure effective service delivery to all Lagosians.
Speaking today at the Headquarters of LASPPPA, Oba Akinjobi Way, GRA Ikeja, Salako said there was a need for the District Officers of the Authority to have attitudinal and character change so that their public image can be redeemed.
According to him, the District Officers are the new face of the agency and must be ready to take responsibilities as they must report all activities in their jurisdiction including refuse dumps and broken down vehicles in addition to the monitoring of illegal construction amongst others.
In his words “You will be assigned more duties and must take ownership of your jobs as staying on current duty posts will solely depend on performance. You have to do things more professionally without compromising integrity and standard”.
“You need to dress properly and decently at all times, be the first enforcer by monitoring approval as your signature makes you the number one culprit in case of contravention; be proactive and creative in solving challenges, develop a common template of sending information and data to the Ministry through the General Manager”, he added.
Revealing that Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu had approved the setting up of an Appease Committee by the Ministry, he solicited for synergy and collaboration of LASPPPA, Lagos State Building Control Agency, Lagos State Urban Development Agency, other agencies of the Ministry as well as other State government establishments.
He, however, warned officers to desist from diverting government money into personal pockets and giving approval illegally, adding that official phone numbers would be given to all district officers while sanctions would be meted out to erring officers and commendation made to outstanding personnel.
Salako urged staffers to maintain the 28-day approval period, share professional information amongst themselves, submit weekly approvals, engage in proper vetting and accept professional responsibility for actions taken.
In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Arch. Folusho Dipe urged the staff to change their attitudes towards their duties and the public for the development of the Ministry and the State, stressing that courtesy should be the hallmark of service delivery as public servants are employed to serve the public according to civil service regulations.
The General Manager of LASPPPA, Tpl. Funmi Osifuye, who commended the Commissioner and his team for the visit, reiterated his appeal to Town Planners and other professionals in the Authority to exhibit good character and be polite to all and sundry for a Greater Lagos.