In a move seen as dusting off criticisms over placing more emphasis on revenue than safety, as well as official corruption, Lagos State has slashed penal fee on planning permits from 400 to 200 percent.
The move, it is believed, would go a long way stemming illegal construction in the state, as developers are wont to approach government directly, rather than cutting corners.
In the wake of Wednesday, March 13 collapse of a three-storey building on Massey Street, Ita-Faaji, Lagos Island, which claimed 20 lives, mostly school children, and left 45 others injured, the state government has come under severe pressure.
Professionals in the building industry say high charges, corruption, poor quality of building materials, among others, are factors encouraging illegal construction in Lagos, as developers in their bid to avoid paying the charges, romance officials, who compromise procedures and regulations. This, they say encourage the use of substandard materials and quacks by developers, thereby putting such development at risk of collapse.
Funmi Osifuye, the general manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), who announced the reduction, said it has received the approval of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode.
The reduction covers the between January and December, 2019. Under the Lagos State Urban and Regional Planning Law 2010, obtaining planning permit is a must for any physical development in the state irrespective of the land owner.
The general manager believed that the reduction would ensure that structures are built in the right way and place, balance development and ensure that such development and growth are environmentally sustainable.
With the development, Osifuye said applicants are would be required to pay a penal fee for commencing development on site prior to obtaining planning permit, adding that the fees are not arbitrary but based on standard rates and vary with the size (volume) of the proposed development.
He called on district officers to inform all staff of the new development and comply accordingly, while urging members of the public /developers to reciprocate the gesture through voluntary compliance by submitting “AS-Built” applications for the processing of planning permit in their various localities.
JOSHUA BASSEY
