The Lagos State Government said it is working to cut the number of days to get building permit by prospective builders to 20 from the current 30 days.
Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Mr. Anifowoshe Abiola who represented the governor at a stakeholders interactive session at Isheri-Olofin, Alimosho, said “the government does not believe in planning for the people instead it believes in planning with the people and that is why the stakeholders session is an opportunity to get their inputs.”
In his keynote address at the forum organised by the Lagos State Physical Planning and Permit Authority, (LASPPPA) with the theme: Population Influx And Alimosho Development Plan: Prospect So Far, Anifowoshe said the State Government “does not believe in planning for the people instead it believes in planning with the people and that is why the stakeholders session is an opportunity to get their inputs.
“There must be orderly development that is why government has Alimosho Model City plan which is a comprehensive plan to ensure orderly development in Alimosho spelling out where to build and not to build.”
He advised prospective builders to ensure they have building permits from LASPPPA before building to avoid losses that may result when such buildings are demolished for building in unauthorised places, because any structure without a permit is illegal.
“Alimosho city plan is for orderly development, that is why before you put up any structure you must have a permit so as not to disrupt the city plan.”
He called on residents of Alimosho and its environs to leverage on the population strength of the area, its vintage location and the sporadic urban growth to conform with the already designed Alimosho Model City Plans.
In his welcome address earlier, General Manager of LASPPPA, Mr. Remi Oni-Orisan declared that the state from yesterday commenced ‘Operation Summit Your Building Plan’ for government’s approval regardless of the level of such development, urging all developers, builders and individuals to henceforth comply with the directive without any further delay.
He said the step was being taken to give another opportunity for all concerned not to run foul of the law by obtaining their planning permits.
Oni-Orisan warned of the consequence of building without permit could attract sealing or total demolition of such development and that orderly development of landed properties within the axis will guarantee a win-win stance without jeopardizing public good, social well being and sustainable environment for all.
He said government had been making concerted efforts in managing the ever increasing population and location advantage of Alimosho for successful implementation of physical development plans, planning laws and regulations for sustainable development, stressing that the opportunities provided by the population of the area and its unique location should be harnessed for a better developmental layout.
He said that the Alimosho Model City Plans was designed by the State Government to cater for the diverse needs of people who are residing in the area now and for those who may also reside within the area in the future without any environmental threat .
He harped on the importance of planning before erecting structures and building in line with the intention of the State government, stressing that the intention of government for a well organised city requires the collective participation of each stakeholders who must also fulfil their part of the obligation.
“Making Lagos State a more enviable city in Nigeria and of course globally is our collective responsibility. Population influx should not have a negative impact on Development Plan and so there is a collective responsibility to strictly adhere to planning laws and regulations of the state.”
Oni-Orisan bemoaned the low level of compliance with building plans application from Alimosho, saying only 50 persons applied for building permit from Alimosho last year out of which 37 were approved “in spite of being the largest LGA in both landmass and population coupled with the evident rampant developments.”
The General Manager assured residents of Alimosho that government was aware of some challenges that could make building permit application difficult in the past , promising that Governor Ambode is seriously making concerted efforts and proposals to strategically tackle some identified challenges.
The traditional ruler of Ajasa, Alajasa of Ajasa, Oba Sule Uberu Odu-Alabe on behalf of the community pledged the support of the community to aid the realization of the mega city plans for the area.
He pleaded with the State Government to give ample time for residents of the area to comply with the directive of applying for physical planning permit considering the long years of existence of some structures within the Alimosho and environs.
