By Adetutu Audu
The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has commenced the evacuation of occupants and the removal of a highly distressed building located within Akinyele Busstop, Abesan Estate, Lagos, following reports that the structure had become unsafe for habitation.
The Agency disclosed that the emergency intervention was initiated after a concerned resident alerted LASBCA through its toll-free line, reporting visible signs of severe structural distress and expressing fears over the safety of occupants and neighbouring residents.
Upon receiving the report, officials of the Agency swiftly deployed a team of structural experts and enforcement officers to the location for an immediate assessment. The inspection confirmed that the building had suffered critical structural defects, posing an imminent danger to lives and property.
Following the assessment, LASBCA immediately evacuated all occupants from the building to prevent any loss of life and commenced the controlled demolition of the distressed structure in line with its statutory mandate to safeguard public safety.
Speaking on the exercise, the General Manager of LASBCA, Bldr. Gbaye Florence, said the Agency remained committed to ensuring that unsafe buildings do not constitute a threat to residents across the State.
She commended the concerned citizen who promptly reported the distressed building through the Agency’s toll-free line, noting that the timely intervention helped prevent what could have resulted in a tragic incident.
Bldr. Gbaye urged residents to always report distressed, abandoned or visibly defective buildings to LASBCA, stressing that public cooperation remained vital in preventing building collapse and protecting lives and property.
She further assured Lagosians that the would continue to monitor buildings across the State, enforce compliance with building safety regulations and promptly respond to distress reports in the interest of public safety.
The Agency reiterated its appeal to members of the public to report suspected distressed buildings and other building safety concerns through the LASBCA toll-free line 07000-527222 (07000-LASBCA) for immediate attention.
