10 October 2008
The Lagos State Governor, Mr Babatunde Fashola (SAN), on Tuesday said that the state has not placed any embargo on the granting of development permits in the state, pointing out that the state government is however insistent on strict adherence to town planning laws.
A statement from the office of the Senior Special Adviser to the Governor (Media), Hakeem Bello, said Governor Fashola who fielded questions from airport correspondents at the presidential wing of the Murtala Mohammed Airport, Ikeja, on arrival from Abuja, added that he has an understanding with banks on the issue following a meeting with them.
He stressed that the state wants the banks to be located where they can be easily reached and not in unexpected or hidden locations which can make them susceptible to armed attacks.
He recalled an instance where a commercial bank was attacked about a month and a half ago by armed robbers but could not get police rescue efforts on time because of the unusual place it was located.
Governor Fashola added that the state will no longer tolerate any instance of violation of the masterplan of the state through the conversion of residential buildings into offices.
While recalling his promises to the people about finding a lasting solution to the cases of building collapse which became very rampant around June 2007, he said the commitment to enforce town planning regulations remains central to efforts to solve the problem.
He explained that the present administration is keen on putting in place a process that involves meticulous planning and adherence to existing planning laws by the people as a solution to the problem of buildings collapse.
Said he: "We owe the people a duty to ensure that residential houses stay residential. You cannot convert a residential area which has a dedicated area or planned supply of water and electricity into a commercial or industrial concern. It just would not work. Industries must run in industrial estates"
He informed that for those planning estates, especially in Lekki, the state is granting approvals and would continue to do so as it finalises the Lekki masterplan.
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