Physical development: laspppa renews call for voluntary compliance

In view of the high rate of non-compliance to physical planning laws and the resultant harm to lives and property in Lagos, the State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA) has again made a renewed call to residents of the State to embrace voluntary compliance to all physical planning laws.

The General Manager of LASPPPA, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike, spoke recently on the activities of the Agency, urging members of the public to support government efforts by reporting any illegal and defective developments that pose danger to the existence of the good people of Lagos State.

He revealed that the Authority stepped up its publicity drive to further sensitise property owners/developers to obtain planning permits and ensure that their property are constructed in accordance with Physical Planning and Building Control Laws and Regulations in Lagos State.

Osinaike explained that the sensitisation initiative on voluntary compliance is with the overall intention of having a society devoid of dangerous and haphazard physical developments. The General Manager remarked that compliance with regulations is the bedrock of organised physical development in the built sector and inisited that application for a planning permit must precede before the commencement of construction.

His words: “With this, Professionals and Government Agencies involved will be able to guide owners/developers appropriately based on the environmental impact assessment, type of structure and building use, vis-a-vis the conformity of such property to already existing development in the area. For instance, it is the duty of LASPPPA to advise on the appropriateness of different areas of the State for certain physical developments”.

While noting that the process of building involves the inputs and sign-offs of Professionals within the government as well as the private sector, Osinaike highlighted the importance of the opinions of stakeholders and advised developers to desist from patronising touts in order to avoid negative consequences.

He pointed out that road shows will be organised for advocacy to stimulate awareness on the benefits of obtaining Physical Planning Permits in four major areas in the State, just as he solicited support of the press in using their platforms for more enlightenment of the public. Osinaike further disclosed plans of the Agency to extend the campaign for voluntary compliance with planning permit laws to other parts of the State, stressing that LASPPPA plans to extend its sensitisation campaign to the Lekki axis of the State on Monday, June 6, which will be followed with a stakeholders’ meeting along the corridor on Wednesday, June 8, 2022.