The residents of the Agboyi and Ikosi/Ketu areas of Lagos state have been educated on the benefits of obtaining a planning permit before embarking on construction by the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA).
Mrs. Abimbola Emdin-Umeh, Director of Public Affairs, LASPPPA, in a statement on Sunday, said the sensitisation was in accordance with the agency’s directive to ensure orderly planning of physical structures in every part of the state.
Emdin-Umeh said that the stakeholders’ forum for members of the Community Development Associations and Community Development Councils of the areas and other residents was held in Ketu.
She quoted the General Manager of LASPPPA, Mr. Kehinde Osinaike, as informing participants at the gathering that proper physical planning remained a tool for functional communities.
Osinaike said that obtaining necessary permits before any construction work and obedience to building rules and regulations would bring about a serene environment that is safe for work and relaxation for the residents.
According to him, it is LASPPPA’s responsibility to ensure that individuals or organizations erecting any structure get a planning permit and follow the rules guiding building construction.
Osinaike warned that “anyone who fails to get the approval of relevant government agencies in charge of physical development will face the wrath of the law”.
He said that the state government had “further simplified the processes of obtaining physical planning approval within a short time without any bureaucracy”.
“The process has been simplified and made seamless. LASPPPA ensures that the processing and obtaining building approval is ready within 10 working days without delay,” he said.
He urged the residents and the leadership of the community development associations to support the government’s mission of a sustainable environment.
Osinaike urged them to strictly comply with regulations and report anyone found in the building without a permit.
Prince Tangbaju Benson, the Chairman, Community Development Association, Magodo Phase I, in his response, thanked the government for the illuminating session.
He thanked the government for putting in place a regulatory agency to standardize construction works.
Benson urged the state government to do more education programmes to keep the public informed of the necessary steps to take before embarking on building projects.
“If people know the benefits of getting the planning permit, they will all be eager to apply for it, considering the fact that it helps to checkmate and regulate the activities of greedy developers who try to cut corners in the execution of their work,” he said.
He urged residents of his area to give the government full support to actualize the dream of delivering a functional and safe environment for the benefit of all.
