The Lagos State Government has been urged to look into compromising officials who were involved in the recent demolition of the Arowojobe area in Mende Villa, Lagos, by the Building Collapse Prevention Guild (BCPG).
The guild demanded accountability from government employees and former political office holders whose actions may have contributed to the untimely and damaging demolition of properties along System One Channel in Mende, Lagos, in a statement signed by Soji Adeniji, coordinator of the BCPG Kosofe Cell.
Adeniji said, “To complement the essence of this belated demolition, the government should scrutinize its staff and past political office holders, dispensing immediate justice to those whose compromises resulted in the wanton destruction of property.”
He underlined that bringing charges against retired officials for carelessness or neglect of duty would promote loyalty to the public interest. Developers who routinely break building codes and pay off officials ought to be held responsible as well; they are not deserving of pity.
The guild called on oversight organizations to track down and discipline building industry experts who were involved in the construction of the unlawful structures. They emphasized how crucial it is to confirm land titles prior to starting construction.
In order to lessen the suffering of people residing in buildings that are slated for demolition, BCPG called on the government to give sufficient notice and instruct tenants, not landlords. They emphasized that past mistakes shouldn’t follow people forever and suggested relief camps or short-term lodging for displaced residents. Building demolition is an irreversible and necessary measure to prevent flooding.
Adeniji noted that developers have made accusations in response to the ongoing demolition, which is intended to make amends for previous errors. They contend that by building housing estates in swampy areas and sand-filling natural watercourses at Alapere, the Lagos State Development and Property Corporation set a precedent.
In order to alleviate residents’ suffering during the rainy season, Adeniji claims that structures obstructing the watercourse must be demolished. He praised the leadership of the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources for their tenacity and said that the exercise was crucial for protecting people and property.
“As a reputable company, we are aware of the expenses associated with new construction as well as the worth of existing structures. It’s imperative to take preventative action, Adeniji said. He acknowledged that owners and residents of buildings that were demolished would experience social and economic setbacks, as well as difficulties with their mental and physical well-being. Prior to an election, he also mentioned the political ramifications of building demolition.
Videos of the exercise that were recently conducted in Arowojogbe, Mende Estate, have gone viral on social media, infuriating the locals. Commissioner Tunji Bello clarified that since the buildings were constructed on the System 1 drainage right of way leading to the Odo Iya Alaro, the demolitions were required to stop the mainland from flooding.
Source: PunchNG
