The General Manager, Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency, Tpl. Ajibike Shomade has paid a working visit to the burnt Dosunmu market in Idumota, Lagos Island Business District for an on-the-spot assessment of destruction by the inferno.
The General Manager was accompanied on the visit by a team of Engineers and Town Planners from the Agency’s Estate Service Department, Project Department, Urban Development Department and Research, Statistic/Evaluation (RSE) Department.
Speaking during the visit, Tpl. Shomade described the inferno as devastating in terms of the magnitude of destruction of houses and properties worth millions of naira.
In her words, “The magnitude of destruction has never happened in a very long time regarding the extent and numbers of buildings affected. This is very unfortunate and sad”.
“Having listened to some of the victims of the fire incident; the next step is for the management of LASURA to take a position and present a position paper to Mr. Governor for approval for further actions with other stakeholders”, she added.
The General Manager said initial assessment has revealed that some properties under the management of the agency were also affected by the fire outbreak, the status of those properties would be determined and be part of the submission to Mr. Governor.
She, however, sympathised with the properties and business owners on their losses, especially at this challenging time.
Recall that several buildings and homes were razed in the fire incident that occurred on Tuesday 9th April, 2024. The fire was reportedly caused by the careless refuelling of a generator in the penthouse of one of the buildings.
The whole environment was a sore sight as ruins of the market inferno could be seen some meters away and onlookers shared pathetic stories of millions-worth businesses that have now been swallowed up in flames.
Present at the site at the time of the visit were LASEMA officials, Members of the Red Cross Society, Lagos State Fire Service and NEMA officials.
