Building Collapse: Lagos Accommodates 138 IDPs, Expects More

Lagos State government has received and accommodated 138 internally-displaced persons, IDPs, created by building collapse and the ongoing demolition of distressed buildings at the State Emergency Management Agency, LASEMA, Resettlement Centre, Igando, Alimosho Local Government Area of the state.

The other resettlement camp at Agbowa, Ikorodu area of the state, was yet to be opened due to, according to a source, paucity of funds.

The state government had, last Tuesday, opened the camp to willing victims who initially felt reluctant to move to the camp.

Of the total number in camp, 50 are children while others include teenagers and adults. Many of the IDPs in camp are the victims of Mercy Street, Ita-Faaji building collapse.

Meanwhile, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Kehinde Bamigbetan, stated that Governor Akinwumi Ambode had approved that those affected as a result of the ongoing demolition of defective buildings be resettled at relief centre in line with international best practices.

He added that LASEMA’s Resettlement Camp was ready to accommodate 500 displaced persons, as part of the state government’s efforts to ensure that the effect of loss on the victims is mitigated to the barest minimum.

According to the General Manager of LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu, the camp would be open for three months in the first instance after which the government would review the need for an extension.

Tiamiyu said further that a medical team is on ground and have been providing assistance to ascertain the health status of those affected, while the Igando General Hospital will handle referrals from the camp.

He said the camp has facilities to provide relief for affected victims, including those living with disabilities.

The Resettlement Camp/Relief Centre has five hostels with 22 each, four double bunk beds and is capable of accommodating eight persons per room.

It has a kitchen facility, a dining hall, a general hall to be used for recreational activities, a three ward medical facility, a set of 10 toilets and bathrooms for each hostel, sets of three bedroom flats for members of staff, facilities for persons living with disabilities, security post, power-generating set, among others.