As part of efforts to stem the tide of building collapse in the State, the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has called for more collaborative efforts from the Association of Real Estate Developers of Lagos State (AREDOLS) for effective and efficient service delivery in the Built Environment.
The General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Oki made the call during a courtesy visit by the management team of the Agency to the Headquarters of AREDOLS at 52, Simpson Street, Ebute Metta, Lagos, appealing to the members of the association to always build according to the building plan approval granted them by the State Government as conformity to the State Building Codes and Regulations will help reduce the menace of building collapse to the minimum.
Oki, represented by the Secretary of LASBCA, Mrs. Omolara Daba, stated further that for buildings to stand the test of time, building construction standards must not be compromised by owners/developers as this will affect the outcome of the building.
He advised them always to engage the services of qualified professionals in their building process to make it livable for present and future generations. “The hiring of quarks for construction processes must stop as their engagement will not only cost you financially but also the lives and properties of the would-be occupants”, he stated.
In her remarks, the Director of Inspectorate and Quality Control Department (I&QC), Ikeja Division, LASBCA, Mrs. Florence Gbaye, implored AREDOLS members to always apply for Building Plan Approval from the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) and after that proceed to LASBCA for the Letter of Authorisation to commence construction. A Green Sticker will then be issued to the applicant, indicating that LASBCA is involved in every building construction stage.
Engr. Bayo Euba, who is the Head of Post Construction Audit (PCA), Badagry/Lagos Division, admonished Zonal Executives of the association to always report any observation, infraction or illegal and non-conforming buildings noticed in their locality to any LASBCA District Offices nearer to them in order to compel compliance.
Speaking on the importance of building insurance, the Head, Insurance Department, LASBCA, Mrs. Omobolale Norman Osinuga highlighted and explained to the members the benefits of building insurance policies as this will help owners/developers find succour and reduce financial burden in case of an accident during construction.
The Building Certification Head, Tpl. Omodudu Olabunmi urged the members to follow due process by inviting LASBCA for a Stage-by-Stage Inspection of their building processes as a Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation will be issued to the owner/developer after.
She also stated that, for existing buildings, a Non-Destructive Test (NDT) must be carried out on the building by the Lagos State Material Testing Laboratory (LSMTL) or by any of their registered laboratory agents and after which the Certificate of Completion and Fitness for Habitation will be issued if the building passes the test.
The Deputy Chairman of AREDOLS, Alhaji Shodehinde Kanul, who represented the Chairman, Chief Adeniyi Lawal, commended LASBCA’s efforts in bringing sanity to the Built Environment and reaffirmed the association’s readiness to collaborate with the State Government in promoting conformity as this will help boost building sustainability and also reduce building collapse in the State.
The meeting had in attendance the top Management Team from LASBCA, AREDOLS Executives and Members from all the Zones across the State.
