Ogun seals 10 buildings for contravening building laws
Bankole Taiwo, Abeokuta
The Ogun State Government through the Building Production and Management Authority (OGBPMA), has sealed 10 buildings both in Ilaro and Abeokuta, while another two owners of commercial buildings were served with notices, in Agbara for contravening building regulation laws.
Addressing journalists during a monitoring and enforcement exercise in Agbara, the Acting General Manager of the Authority, Engr. Olakunle Olaniran, said the sealed buildings in Abeokuta include a residence located at Ibara, and four others located at Adatan, Abiola-Way, and Ita-Eko, adding that they were sanctioned due to contravention of Planning Permit, unauthorised construction, non-certification of the building process, lack of professional guidance and used of poor building materials.
He said, “One of the buildings sealed in Abeokuta obtained a permit for a storey residential development, but commenced a development of four-storey building which shows intent for commercial use. These acts are inimical to proper planning, as the specifications for commercial use must factor key requirements like parking spaces, among other things. Attempting such sharp practices will not be condoned in the State’’.
Shedding more light on the five sealed buildings in Ilaro, Engr. Olaniran gave the list as two filling stations, two commercial buildings and one hotel.
Engr. Olaniran, who expressed worry over the illegal and haphazard developments in communities despite agency enlightenment and sensitisation on the need to build right and obtain necessary building approvals, said the agency would not rest on its oars at ensuring that building and construction works were done in line with the extant laws of the State.
Engr. Olaniran harped on the need to build in compliance with approvals granted, under the supervision of necessary professionals in the building sector, noting that due diligence should be observed at all times.
He highlighted the criteria for the construction of buildings in the State to include, the undertaking of professional supervisors, a project site information board, and provision of personal protective equipment for workers on site, having a risks insurance policy for commercial development, and many more.
Engr. Olaniran, called on intending builders to come to the Authority before the commencement of any structure to ensure that their buildings were well developed.
