Politics
The Lagos State Government has offered a discount and amnesty programme to encourage property owners to get the necessary permits and comply with building regulations.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Dr Oluyinka Olumide, disclosed this at a press briefing to mark the first year of the second term in office of Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu on Wednesday in Lagos.
He said that the aim of these initiatives was to ensure public safety and promote a sustainable urban environment by encouraging adherence to building regulations.
He announced that a 40 per cent rebate on planning permits was offered to civil servants to incentivise them to follow the proper procedures for their properties.
He said, “In a bid to ensure that the state maintains its high developmental standard, Lagos State Government has announced a 40 per cent rebate on Planning Permit payment to Lagosians.
“This is to encourage property owners in the State to do the right thing by ensuring their properties pass all official procedures.”
Olumide said that a 90-day amnesty period was also given to property owners with unpermitted buildings to apply for permits during this period without facing penalties.
This, he said, was meant to address existing non-compliance and promote a more regularised building environment.
He said, “The amnesty initiative would allow owners and developers of existing buildings to obtain planning permits without the payment of statutory penal fees within the amnesty window from May 2 to July 30, 2024, with a five per cent discount applicable to payments completed within ten working days of the bill’s issuance.”
He described the incentives, the rebate to civil servants and the amnesty programme, as a relief measure to mitigate the effects of the current economic hardship being experienced in the built environment.
He advised applicants to submit their documents for review at the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) Head Office and LASPPPA District Offices located across all 57 Local Government Areas (LGAs) and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).
Additionally , Olumide emphasised the government’s commitment to creating a “Lagos Smart City” with a well-functioning physical environment.
He believed achieving this goal would require everyone to comply with building regulations.
The commissioner warned that non compliance would draw the wrath of the government positioned to do that which is good for the largest number of Lagosians.
He said that the administration would not compromise the safety of any individual in the State.
Olumide solicited the continued cooperation of the general public to adhere strictly to the Physical Planning Laws of Lagos State by following the standard steps to the planning and construction of buildings.
He said that these standard steps, when followed, would help to promote safety and orderly, livable and sustainable environment for the wellness and wellbeing of the people.
He highlighted some of the achievements of the Lagos State Office of Physical Planning over the past year.
The office, according to him, achieved over 74 per cent grant of Planning Permits in the last one year.
He said it also prepared and reviewed Master Plans and Model City Plans such as the Lagos Island Model City Plan and Alimosho Model City Plan.
Others are the preparation of nine action area plans, nine development guide plans and the delivery of the right of way for 16 public infrastructure projects in the State.(NAN)
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May 9, 2024
Tags: LASG Safe building practice
