April 6, 2023

The Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) has removed an illegal structure built under a Powerline adjacent Hamed Adebowale Street, Aguda area of the State.

According to the General Manager of LASBCA, Arc. Gbolahan Owodunni Oki, the building under the powerline is a disaster waiting to happen because of the electromagnetic waves from it which may cause a fire outbreak hence the need for its removal.

Oki stated that the State Urban and Regional Planning and Development Law does not permit owners/developers to construct buildings under high-power electricity cables and it also specifies the distance that should be observed between a property and a public utility such as the PHCN Power lines.

He reiterated the State Government’s commitment to safeguarding the lives and properties of Lagosians through thorough identification of illegal and non-conforming structures in the State, especially structures built under high-tension wire. “The safety and protection of lives and properties of the citizenry are paramount to the State Government.

Owners/developers must ensure that their buildings are not built under powerlines or high tension wires as such illegality will not be condoned by the present administration”, he stated. The General Manager also revealed that the agency would intensify its effort to rid the State of illegality in the built environment by ensuring that the State Building Codes are strictly complied with.

Oki further enjoined the public to desist from erecting structures such as shops, offices, and residential houses amongst others under high-tension cables because of the immediate danger such an act poses.

He advised owners/developers to always abide by the building rules by fencing their structures and keeping all building materials within their space and not on the roads.

He also called on Lagosians to report any building irregularity noticed in their localities to the Agency for prompt and necessary action.