Owner Of Collapsed Building Risks Prosecution – LASG

Gbolahan Oki, the General Manager of the Lagos State Building Control Agency, has blamed the collapse of a two-storey building in the Mushin area on the use of substandard materials.

Oki said the owner of the building will be prosecuted for violating an earlier stop-work order of the government and breaking the seal put on the building.

The Lagos State Emergency Management Agency had earlier said it rescued seven people who were trapped at the site following the collapse on Wednesday.

LASEMA’s Permanent Secretary, Dr Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, confirmed this in a statement.

According to LABSCA’s spokesperson, Olaoye Olusegun, the agency’s General Manager, Oki “explained that preliminary investigation on the two-storey building with an illegal attachment which collapsed under construction thereby affecting a nearby bungalow indicated that substandard materials were used for the infrastructure.”

He added that LASBCA had previously served a stop-work order and quit notice on the building, which was subsequently sealed but was disobeyed by the property owner.

“He disclosed that the owner of the building, however, decided to break the government seal in order to continue the illegal construction, stressing that appropriate action to be taken could include the demolition of other defective structures within the compound, prosecution and seizure of the property to redress the situation.

“The General Manager implored residents in the area to desist from erecting any building without requisite permits and stop acting against the law by removing government seal on defective buildings as such untoward act is illegal and capable of putting lives at risk,” Olusegun’s statement said.

He noted that the GM expressed happiness that no life was lost due to prompt response by the agency and other emergency responders, revealing that occupants who sustained injuries at the site were receiving medical attention at a nearby medical facility.

He warned developers and property owners against illegal constructions and conversions, especially attachments to existing buildings without approval and strict supervision by the agency.