EKO NEWS
Sanwo-Olu Orders Indefinite Halting Of ALL Building Construction Activities On Banana Island
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A seven-storey building collapsed on Wednesday in Lagos.
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The state government said the building was unapproved.
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It subsequently launched an investigation into the incident.
Eko Hot Blog reports that Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, has directed a stop to all building developments on Banana Island, Ikoyi, Lagos.
The governor issued the directive after a seven-storey building collapsed inside the Banana Island Estate on Wednesday.
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According to a statement issued by the Lagos Commissioner for Information & Strategy, Gbenga Omotoso, on Thursday, the developers of the building went ahead with construction despite the government sealing the property.
The commissioner said the developers took advantage of the security of the estate’s gated community to continue with the development.
Omotoso also disclosed that the governor suspended all developments on the island pending a comprehensive audit by officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).
“The building was hitherto sealed by the Lagos State Government for not having the approval to commence construction, but the developers continued to build, hiding under the security of their estate/gated community,” the statement reads.
“Mr. Governor has directed that all developments on Banana Island be placed on hold, subject to a comprehensive audit by the officials of the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA).”
The audit is expected to answers questions regarding the number of buildings being constructed without approval from the Lagos State Government and whether all approved buildings are being built in line with the approval limits provided.
“This exercise will be extended to other estates and gated communities,” Omotoso said.
Scene of the building collapse
Meanwhile, preliminary investigations have shown that the building collapse on Banana Island occurred during concrete casting, according to the government spokesperson.
“Eyewitnesses said one of the concrete mixer trucks rammed into some load-bearing columns of the building, causing a loud bang and leading to the collapse,” he said.
The Lagos government said nobody died in the incident as of the time of this report. Twenty-five people were rescued from the site.
“Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) scanned the building with a high-precision 3-D Laser Imagery System for life and found no evidence of anyone trapped in the rubble. A roll call has also been done by the site supervisors, with everyone accounted for,” the statement stated.
Omotoso said the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has continued with the excavation of the site, using the architectural designs.
“The site has also been divided into quadrants for a painstaking search and rescue operation,” he said.
“Presently, quadrants 2 and 3 have been levelled to ground zero, having completed the search operation. Quadrants 1 and 4 are ongoing.
“Physical Planning and Urban Development Commissioner Bamgbose-Martins, an engineer and Special Duties Special Adviser Mobolaji Ogunlende, are coordinating the operations. LASEMA Permanent Secretary, Dr. Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu is leading the operations.
“Commissioner for Health Prof. Akin Abayomi has visited the site and hospitals where victims of the incident were admitted.
“Of the 25 persons rescued by LASEMA, 16 with moderate injuries were admitted at General Hospital, Odan, Lagos Island and Police Hospital Falomo for treatment and care. Nine others with minor injuries, such as bruises, were treated and discharged at the site by Lagos State Ambulance Services (LASAMBUS).
“Of the 16 persons on admission, 11 were taken to Police Hospital Falomo. Eight of the 11 persons have been treated and discharged. Some are required to come for daily follow-up and management. Three with various injuries, including blunt traumatic chest injury, knee injuries, deep lacerations and others, are on admission.
“At the General Hospital Odan, Lagos Island, there are five patients with more serious injuries.
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“The State Government, as a matter of policy, will be responsible for the emergency treatment and care, including the medical bills of the victims on admission. It will also provide post-trauma counselling support and care for all victims through the Lagos MiND programme (Mental Health in Development) – a free mental health counselling and support service provided by the Ministry of Health.”
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