Lagos begins demolition of 57 distressed buildings

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) yesterday began the demolition of 57 distressed buildings across the city.
It was learnt that 114 distressed buildings were identified, 34 on Lagos Island.
LASBCA officials, escorted by armed policemen, stormed the Island yesterday for the exercise.
Its General Manager, Lekan Shodeinde, said it was the first phase of the exercise approved by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
Shodeinde, an engineer, said owners were served notices prior to the exercise.
He said the exercise was to stem the tide of collapsed buildings.
Thirteen buildings were expected to be demolished yesterday; others would go during the second phase of the exercise.
Shodeinde said owners would be given 90 days to pay for the demolished buildings, failing which government would seize the land.
He said before the demolition, owners would be given time to remedy the situation, including subjecting the property to integrity test.
According to him, the property will be demolished if found to be unsafe after the test.