“BE CAUTIOUS OF FAKE DEVELOPMENT APPROVALS, PERMITS” – LAGOS GOVT TELLS RESIDENTS
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The Lagos State Government, through the Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority (LASPPPA), has cautioned stakeholders in the construction industry and residents of Lagos to be cautious of counterfeit building approvals and planning permits not issued by the authorised government office.
The Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development Dr. Oluyinka Olumide gave the advice at the unveiling of LASPPPA’s Sensitization Tools and The Face of LASPPPA at the Authority’s Headquarters in Ikeja, on Tuesday.
Dr. Olumide, who unveiled the Sensitization Tools for the promotion of sustainable development geared towards increasing public awareness about physical planning issues in Lagos, emphasised the importance of verifying building permit documents from LASPPPA to avoid falling victim to fraudsters and imposters.
He averred that the importance of Town Planners in creating sustainable and resilient villages, towns and cities through decisive decisions about land uses, infrastructure, transportation, and environmental conservation may not be felt by people without adequate publicity and public sensitisation.
The initiative, according to him, aims to protect residents and uphold the integrity of the city’s development processes amidst growing concerns about unauthorised construction and inappropriate land use-related issues.
He informed that LASPPPA, through public consultations and campaigns, Planners can educate members of the public on the contemporary planning paradigm as it relates to smart growth, environmental conservation, and social equity in physical planning.
“By building understanding and support for these concepts, sensitization tools can facilitate the adoption of forward-looking and inclusive planning strategies that benefit both the present and future generations”, the Commissioner added.
Also speaking at the unveiling, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso emphasised the need for Lagosians to ensure that buildings are built in accordance with existing laws for the benefit of the entire residents.
The Commissioner appealed to the leadership of LASPPPA to engage members of the public more through public sensitization via traditional media (newspaper publications, flyers, and electronic media) as well as through new media or social media via (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter etc).
He maintained that the Authority must exhaust all means and channels of communicating with the populace such that Lagosians can key into physical planning policies and programmes, especially during the amnesty period and beyond.
According to him, the sensitization tools unveiled by LASPPPA are essential in ensuring that physical planning processes are reflective of the diverse needs, perspectives, and values of our communities, towns and cities.
He said, “Through engagement with stakeholders, improved awareness campaigns, and public participation; Town Planners can create a more inclusive, sustainable and resilient environment that enhances the quality of life for all”.
“In the light of the above, Town Planners should be committed to public sensitization in its daily planning practices, and should equally work towards creating a more equitable and vibrant environment for all of us”, Omotoso reiterated.
Earlier, the General Manager, Lagos State Physical Planning Permit Authority, Tpl. Kehinde Osinaike disclosed that the Sensitization Tools from the Authority comprise LASPPPA Nuggets, Frequently Asked Questions, Brand Ambassador, and Sensitization Car Stickers and Animation.
He explained that the initiatives which carry different and concise informative messages relating to physical planning in different languages will increase public awareness about LASPPPA and specifically about the mandate of the Authority.
While referring to the 90-day Amnesty window approved by Governor Babajide Olusola Sanwo-Olu for owners of existing buildings across the State and other rebates that come with the approval, the General Manager urged stakeholders in the built environment to maximise the opportunity to regularise their building approvals with LASPPPA.
He stated that the Authority will be embarking on intensive awareness activities including motorised campaigns to sensitise the populace and enlighten Lagosians to key into the Amnesty Programme.
Tpl. Osinaike said, “I urge all residents, property owners, developers and stakeholders in the built environment to key into the dream of Mr. Governor by obtaining Planning Permit for their projects. Let us educate and inspire our fellow citizens to make Planning Permit a priority for their building projects.”
The unveiling event was attended by top government officials and relevant stakeholders including the General Manager of Lagos State Resident Registration Agency, LASRRA, Mrs. Bilkiss Adebiyi-Abiola; General Manager of Lagos State Urban Renewal Agency LASURA, Tpl. Esv Saheed Oladimeji Animashaun; DG of LASRAB, Mrs. Toyin Ogunlana and General Manager, New Towns Development Authority (NTDA) Tpl. John Aboyeji among others.
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